SSTR2 is a cell surface receptor for somatostatin. Somatostatin is a small cyclic peptide made by neuroendocrine cells and activated macrophages. It has immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Murine and human inflammatory cells express receptors for somatostatin. Five different somatostatin receptors (SSTR) are known. Murine T cells, В cells, and macrophages express exclusively SSTR2 mRNA in vivo. Blocking SSTR2 prevents the immunoregulatory activity of somatostatin. Patients also express SSTR2 at sites of inflammation. The immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of somatostatin are mediated by SSTR2.