Figure 7.

Schematic diagram of how the IL-33/ST2 axis affects tumor growth in the microenvironment by regulating mitophagy of macrophages, thus reshaping their polarization. During the polarization of M2 macrophages induced by IL-4, the IL-33/ST2 axis in differentiated macrophages stimulated by M-CSF inhibits mitophagy by promoting the activity of mTOR, thereby weakening cellular glycolysis. Cellular oxidative phosphorylation is further enhanced, so that the M2 polarization of macrophages is further increased and ultimately promotes tumor growth. In addition, with further tumor development, the microenvironment continues to recruit IL-4 secreting immune cells (such as Th2 and mast cells), which further promote the transformation of macrophages to tumor-promoting M2 through the IL-33/ST2 axis; positive feedback promotes the continuous growth of tumors.