The role of IL-33/ST2 axis in esophageal inflammatory diseases and cancers: implications for the immunopathogenesis and immunotherapeutic target?

Considerable scientific evidence confirms that interleukin (IL)-33 and its main receptor, suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2), form a functional axis to modulate the development of esophageal inflammatory disorders, such as eosinophilic esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Recently, studies have also revealed that the IL-33/ST2 axis is implicated in the immunopathogenesis of both esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. In view of the importance of the IL-33/ST2 axis in the immunopathogenesis of esophageal inflammatory diseases and cancers, this review summarizes recent progress in this research field based on current published data. Moreover, the translational potential of the IL-33/ST2 axis as a promising immunotherapeutic target in esophageal inflammatory disorders and cancers was discussed.