Biology of interleukin-10.
Interleukin (IL)-10 is the most important cytokine with anti-inflammatory properties besides TGF-β and IL-35. It is produced by activated immune cells, in particular monocytes/macrophages and T cell subsets including Tr1, Treg, and Th1 cells. IL-10 acts through a transmembrane receptor complex, which is composed of IL-10R1 and IL-10R2, and regulates the functions of many different immune cells. In monocytes/macrophages, IL-10 diminishes the production of inflammatory mediators and inhibits antigen presentation, although it enhances their uptake of antigens. Additionally, IL-10 plays an important role in the biology of B cells and T cells. The special physiological relevance of this cytokine lies in the prevention and limitation of over-whelming specific and unspecific immune reactions and, in consequence, of tissue damage. At the same time, IL-10 strengthens the "scavenger"-function and contributes to induced tolerance. This review provides an overview about the cellular sources, molecular mechanisms, effects, and biological role of IL-10.
Interdisciplinary Group of Molecular Immunopathology, Dermatology/Medical Immunology, University Hospital Charité, Berlin, Germany. robert.sabat@charite.de
Robert
R
Sabat
Gerald
G
Grütz
Katarzyna
K
Warszawska
Stefan
S
Kirsch
Ellen
E
Witte
Kerstin
K
Wolk
Jens
J
Geginat
D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000276:immunology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology*; D009000:Monocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology*
D016753:Interleukin-10