(IMAGE) Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Caption The diagram shows how increased sST2 levels in AD impair microglial clearance of amyloid pathology: increased levels of sST2 protein (1) in the blood enter the brain; this decoy receptor blocks the normal signaling stimulated by IL-33 in microglia (2). The inhibition of IL-33 signaling leads to reduced clearance of Aβ by microglia (3), resulting in an increase in Aβ plaque load (4). Credit HKUST Usage Restrictions N.A. License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.