Interleukin-13 and its receptors in colorectal cancer (Review)

Interleukin (IL)-13 is an immunoregulatory cytokine secreted by numerous immune cells. Its functions are similar to those of IL-4 and they share a common receptor. This cytokine has been included in recent studies on human tumors and malignant diseases, evoking a scientific interest to investigate the role of IL-13 and its receptors as novel biomarkers and targets for therapy. Colorectal cancer is one of the most common human malignancies, its prognosis is not promising and the efficacy of molecular-targeted therapy has not been established. This review summarizes the currently available data on the role of IL-13 and its receptors in colorectal cancer, including the signaling pathways involved in mediating the effects of IL-13, the role of IL-13 and/or its receptors in the prediction of cancer and several drugs targeting IL-13 or its receptors that are currently under evaluation.