interleukin 10

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a pleiotropic, anti-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in immunoregulation and inflammation. It downregulates the expression of Th1 cytokines, MHC class II antigens, and co-stimulatory molecules on macrophages, while enhancing B cell survival, proliferation, and antibody production. Mechanistically, IL-10 binds to its heterotetrameric receptor (composed of IL10RA and IL10RB), activating JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathways that drive the expression of anti-inflammatory mediators. It inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion from antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages and monocytes—including TNFα, GM-CSF, G-CSF, IL‑1α/β, IL‑6, and others—and suppresses antigen presentation by reducing MHC class II expression. While primarily immunosuppressive in most contexts (limiting tissue damage during inflammation), recent research has shown it can also stimulate immune responses under certain conditions—such as enhancing CD8+ T cell activity in cancer models. Recombinant human interleukin 10 has been investigated for therapeutic use in autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease and psoriasis; however clinical benefit has been limited due to its dual anti-/pro-inflammatory properties depending on context. Pegylated forms have shown promise as cancer immunotherapies by boosting cytotoxic T cell responses[2][4][5][7].

Brand names

Tenovil

Other names

human cytokine synthesis inhibitory factorCSIF