ST2 levels and neurodegenerative diseases: is this a significant relation?

Interleukin 33 (IL-33) belonging to the interleukin1 cytokine family has a decoy receptor soluble ST2 (sST2). IL-33 found in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes is involved in Central Nervous System healing and repair, whereas ST2 is found in microglia and astrocytes. Some studies have found a link between changes in the interleukin-33 (IL-33)/ST2 pathway and neurodegenerative disorders. This review article investigates the relationship between the interleukin-33 (IL-33)/ST2 pathway and neurodegenerative disorders. It was discovered that soluble st2 levels were increased. Furthermore, IL-33 levels were found to be lower in many neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The association with other disorders such as Ankylosing Spondylitis, Multiple Sclerosis, and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) was also observed. Various studies suggest that ST2/IL-33 signalling may be pivotal in the disease modulation of neurodegenerative disorders. The serum sST2 level test can be useful in determining the inflammatory status and severity of illness in many neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we will discuss recent findings concerning the interleukin-33 (IL-33)/ST2 pathway and its role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases with neurodegeneration.