IL-10 (MOUSE)

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is an alpha-helical, homodimeric cytokine, each subunit composed of 178 amino acids (18 kDa). The major role of IL-10 is to act as an antiinflammatory cytokine. It is produced primarily by monocytes, type 2 T helper cells and B cells. IL-10 is also released by cytotoxic T cells to inhibit the action of natural killer cells during the immune response to viral infection. It has multiple effects in immunoregulation and inflammation, including down regulation of Th1 cytokine expression, MHC class II antigens, and stimulatory molecules on macrophages. IL-10 can also inhibit synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-g, IL-2, TNFa and GM-CSF made by macrophages and regulatory T cells. IL-10 is among cytokines secreted by muscle cells, whose elevation during physical activity suggests that exercise promotes an environment of anti-inflammatory cytokines. IL-10 has garnered interest as a potential anti-inflammatory therapeutic, but initial studies with rheumatoid arthritis have shown limited efficacy.