ST2 (suppression of tumorigenicity) belongs to the IL-1 family of cytokines. It is also known as IL-33 (interleukin 33) and IL1RL1 (interleukin 1 receptor like 1). It is expressed in macrophages and various inflammatory cells like T helper 2 (Th2), mast cells, basophils and eosinophils. It is mapped to chromosome 2q12.
ST2 (suppression of tumorigenicity) participates in pathophysiology of several diseases like asthma, arthritis, obesity and atherosclerosis. It works as a mitogen in eosinophils, fibrocytes, endothelial cells. It helps in the migration of Th2 lymphocytes, fibrocytes and endothelial cells, and disturbs the incursion and metastasis of breast tumor.
