IL-10

IL-10 is a cytokine with multiple, pleiotropic, effects in immunoregulation and inflammation. It down-regulates the expression of Th1 cytokines, MHC class II antigens, and co-stimulatory molecules on macrophages. It also enhances B cell survival, proliferation, and antibody production. This cytokine can block NF-kappa B activity, and is involved in the regulation of the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.

Structure

IL-10 is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IL10 gene. The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine produced primarily by monocytes and to a lesser extent by lymphocytes. This cytokine has pleiotropic effects in immunoregulation and inflammation. It down-regulates the expression of Th1 cytokines, MHC class II antigens, and co-stimulatory molecules on macrophages. It also enhances B cell survival, proliferation, and antibody production.

Function

IL-10 is capable of inhibiting synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IFN-gamma, IL-2, IL-3, TNF and GM-CSF made by cells such as macrophages and regulatory T-cells. IL-10 also displays a potent ability to suppress the antigen-presenting capacity of antigen presenting cells. However, this particular function of IL-10 seems to be dependent on the amount of antigen available to the antigen presenting cell.

Clinical Significance

IL-10 is used in clinical medicine to shut down inflammatory responses and help in wound healing. Its role in the body is to decrease the immune system's response to pathogens, which can be useful in certain circumstances. For example, in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, treatment with IL-10 has been shown to decrease the body's immune response, which can help to reduce symptoms.

See Also

• Cytokine
• Immunoregulation
• Inflammation
• Th1 cytokines
• MHC class II
• Macrophages
• B cell
• Antibody
• NF-kappa B
• JAK-STAT signaling pathway
• Monocytes
• Lymphocytes
• IFN-gamma
• IL-2
• IL-3
• TNF
• GM-CSF
• Regulatory T-cells
• Antigen presenting cells
• Inflammatory bowel disease