Immune response modulation via secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines

Anti-inflammatory cytokines are soluble protein messengers secreted by immune and non-immune cells that regulate the immune response by opposing the actions of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines—including interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-13 (IL-13), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, IL-11, and to some extent IL-6—act by suppressing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and restoring immune homeostasis. They help prevent excessive or chronic inflammation that can result in tissue damage or autoimmune disease, but excessive anti-inflammatory activity may compromise effective host defense. Therapeutically, their modulation (by recombinant proteins, gene therapy, or drugs affecting their production or signaling) is being explored for diseases characterized by overactive immune responses, chronic pain, asthma, and inflammatory disorders.

Other names

Anti-inflammatory cytokine secretionCytokine-mediated immune modulationImmunoregulatory cytokine release

Ligand binding to cytokine receptors (stimulates anti-inflammatory pathways); Blockade of pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling (via antagonists or receptor decoys); Inhibition of immune cell activation and migration.