Subtype II (inflammatory mEPCs) exhibited enriched inflammatory pathways (e.g., NF-κB, IL-2, IL-15) and DNA damage-related pathways (e.g., P53, RB, MYC) (Fig. 3c), reminiscent of the exacerbated tumor-promoting DNA damage induced by chronic inflammation23. The gene discussed is IL2; the disease is neoplasm.