Soluble IL-33 receptor sST2 inhibits colorectal cancer malignant growth by modifying the tumour microenvironment

Interleukin-33 (IL-33) was recently shown to be involved in the inflammatory tumour microenvironment and the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). We report here that the expression level of sST2, a soluble form of the IL-33 receptor (ST2L), is inversely associated with the malignant growth of CRC. sST2 is downregulated in high-metastatic cells compared with low-metastatic human and mouse CRC cells. Knockdown of sST2 in low-metastatic cells enhances tumour growth, metastasis and tumour angiogenesis, whereas its overexpression in high-metastatic cells suppresses these processes. Circulating and intratumourally administered sST2-Fc fusion protein reduce tumour growth, metastatic spread and tumour angiogenesis in mice bearing high-metastatic CRC. Mechanistically, sST2 suppresses IL-33-induced angiogenesis, Th1- and Th2-responses, macrophage infiltration and macrophage M2a polarization. In conclusion, we show that sST2 negatively regulates tumour growth and the metastatic spread of CRC through modification of the tumour microenvironment. Thus, the IL-33/ST2L axis may be a potential therapeutic target in CRC.