IL13RA2

IL13RA2 is predominantly expressed in a variety of tumor cells, including melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, and adrenal cortical carcinoma. Originally considered a decoy receptor, it was traditionally viewed as a decoy receptor binding to IL-13, thereby inhibiting signal transduction. Recent studies have uncovered a new role for IL13RA2 in cancer cells, where it actually enhances IL-13 signaling, contrary to its previous classification as a decoy receptor. This enhanced signaling promotes tumor invasion and metastasis through AP-1 and ERK pathways in a STAT6-independent manner, as well as enhancing TGF β production. Elevated IL13RA2 levels are linked to increased tumor aggression, advanced disease stages, and metastasis, which are indicative of a poorer prognosis in cancers like glioblastoma, colorectal, and breast cancer. As a result, IL13RA2 is emerging as a promising target for cancer therapies, particularly in immunotherapy and targeted treatment strategies.