Anti-inflammatory cytokine

Anti-inflammatory cytokines are a group of immunoregulatory molecules produced by various immune and nonimmune cells that function primarily to suppress excessive inflammation and maintain immune system balance. They counteract the effects of proinflammatory cytokines by inhibiting their production and activity, promoting healing, and preventing tissue damage from chronic or uncontrolled inflammatory responses. Key examples include interleukin 10 (IL‑10), transforming growth factor beta (TGF‑β), interleukin 4 (IL‑4), interleukin 11 (IL‑11), interleukin 13 (IL‑13), and the interleukin 1 receptor antagonist. These molecules do not represent a single molecular entity or therapeutic target but rather comprise several distinct proteins with overlapping functions in immune regulation. Note: "Anti-inflammatory cytokine" refers to an entire class/family rather than one specific molecule or canonical drug target. For structured data purposes—such as for databases focused on drug targets—this entry is too broad/vague to serve directly as a canonical therapeutic target. Instead, each member should be considered individually for detailed annotation.

Other names

Immunoregulatory cytokineanti-inflammatory immunomodulatorregulatory cytokine