Interleukin 24 (IL-24)/melanoma differentiation-associated gene-7 (mda-7) encodes a secreted protein that exhibits significant homology to the interleukin 10 (IL-10) family of cytokines. The human IL-24 is secreted by activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells and binds two heterodimeric receptors, IL-22R1/IL-20R2 and IL-20R1/IL-20R2 resulting in the activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathways. Mda-7/IL-24, selectively induces growth suppression, apoptosis and radiosensitization in malignant gliomas in a p53-independent manner.Synonyms: IL-24, MDA7, Melanoma differentiation-associated gene 7 protein, ST16, Suppression of tumorigenicity 16 protein