Abstract:  Interleukin-33 (IL-33), an interleukin-1(IL-1)family member, is expressed on various immune cell type. IL-33 is released upon cellular damage, which activates the immune system and provides the damage signal. IL-33 and its receptor ST2, encoded by IL-1 receptor accessory protein(IL-1RAcP), forms the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, the IL-33/ST2 system has been linked with the occurrence and development of tumors, including immune regulation, angiogenesis, tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we reviewed the biological function of IL-33 in tumor.

Key words: interleukin-33, ST2, tumors