The IL-33/ST2 pathway — A new therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease

Numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several cardiovascular diseases. Interleukin (IL)-33 is a new member of the IL-1 family of cytokines that promotes Th2 type immune responses by signaling through the ST2L and IL-1RAcP dimeric receptor complex. Furthermore, the biological effects of IL-33 are limited by a soluble decoy form of ST2 (sST2). Recent studies indicate a protective role for IL-33 and ST2L in atherosclerosis, obesity and cardiac remodeling. The present review summarizes currently available data showing the role for IL-33 and its receptor ST2L within cardiovascular disease, and the potential use of sST2 as a predictive cardiovascular biomarker.