The expressions of IL-33 and ST2 receptor in nervous system and their roles in pain

Interleukin-33 (IL-33), a novel member of IL-1 family, is a multifunctional cytokine. IL-33 can act as a transcriptional repressor. It can also bind to growth stimulation expressed gene 2 protein (ST2) to induce the activation of some inflammatory cells. IL-33 is extensively expressed in nervous system. Some studies showed that the levels of IL-33 and ST2 were significantly changed in pain. Some reports demonstrated that the IL-33/ST2 signaling pathway played critical roles in them. This present article will review the biological characteristics of IL-33/ST2 and their expressions in nervous system and significance of interventional pain related diseases. Key words: Interleukin-1/ME; Receptors, interleukin-1/ME; Nervous system/ME; Pain/ME; Review