InterleukinInterleukins are a group of cytokines that were first seen to be expressed by white blood cells , The term interleukine, as a means of communication, deriving from the fact that many of these proteins are produced by leukocytes and act on leukocytes...
-10 (
IL-10 or
IL10), also known as human cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor (
CSIF), is an anti-inflammatory
cytokineCytokines are any of a number of substances that are secreted by specific cells of the immune system which carry signals locally between cells, and thus have an effect on other cells. They are a category of signaling molecules that are used extensively in cellular communication. They are proteins,...
. In humans IL-10 is encoded by the
IL10 gene.
This
cytokineCytokines are any of a number of substances that are secreted by specific cells of the immune system which carry signals locally between cells, and thus have an effect on other cells. They are a category of signaling molecules that are used extensively in cellular communication. They are proteins,...
is produced primarily by
monocyteMonocyte is a type of white blood cell, part of the human body's immune system. Monocytes have two main functions in the immune system: replenish resident macrophages and dendritic cells under normal states, and in response to inflammation signals, monocytes can move quickly Monocyte is a type of...
s and to a lesser extent by
lymphocyteA lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell in the vertebrate immune system.By their appearance under the light microscope, there are two broad categories of lymphocytes, namely the large granular lymphocytes and the small lymphocytes. Functionally distinct subsets of lymphocytes correlate with...
s. This cytokine has pleiotropic effects in immunoregulation and inflammation. It down-regulates the expression of
Th1T helper cells are a sub-group of lymphocytes that play an important role in establishing and maximizing the capabilities of the immune system...
cytokines, MHC class II antigens, and costimulatory molecules on
macrophageMacrophages are white blood cells within tissues, produced by the division of monocytes. Human macrophages are about in diameter...
s.
InterleukinInterleukins are a group of cytokines that were first seen to be expressed by white blood cells , The term interleukine, as a means of communication, deriving from the fact that many of these proteins are produced by leukocytes and act on leukocytes...
-10 (
IL-10 or
IL10), also known as human cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor (
CSIF), is an anti-inflammatory
cytokineCytokines are any of a number of substances that are secreted by specific cells of the immune system which carry signals locally between cells, and thus have an effect on other cells. They are a category of signaling molecules that are used extensively in cellular communication. They are proteins,...
. In humans IL-10 is encoded by the
IL10 gene.
This
cytokineCytokines are any of a number of substances that are secreted by specific cells of the immune system which carry signals locally between cells, and thus have an effect on other cells. They are a category of signaling molecules that are used extensively in cellular communication. They are proteins,...
is produced primarily by
monocyteMonocyte is a type of white blood cell, part of the human body's immune system. Monocytes have two main functions in the immune system: replenish resident macrophages and dendritic cells under normal states, and in response to inflammation signals, monocytes can move quickly Monocyte is a type of...
s and to a lesser extent by
lymphocyteA lymphocyte is a type of white blood cell in the vertebrate immune system.By their appearance under the light microscope, there are two broad categories of lymphocytes, namely the large granular lymphocytes and the small lymphocytes. Functionally distinct subsets of lymphocytes correlate with...
s. This cytokine has pleiotropic effects in immunoregulation and inflammation. It down-regulates the expression of
Th1T helper cells are a sub-group of lymphocytes that play an important role in establishing and maximizing the capabilities of the immune system...
cytokines, MHC class II antigens, and costimulatory molecules on
macrophageMacrophages are white blood cells within tissues, produced by the division of monocytes. Human macrophages are about in diameter...
s. It also enhances B cell survival, proliferation, and antibody production. This cytokine can block NF-κB activity, and is involved in the regulation of the
JAK-STAT signaling pathwayThe JAK-STAT signaling pathway takes part in the regulation of cellular responses to cytokines and growth factors. Employing Janus kinases or and Signal Transducers and Activators of Transcription , the pathway transduces the signal carried by these extracellular polypeptides to the cell nucleus,...
. Knockout studies in mice suggested the function of this cytokine as an essential immunoregulator in the intestinal tract. and indeed patients with
Crohn's diseaseCrohn's disease is an inflammatory disease of the intestines that may affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from anus to mouth, causing a wide variety of symptoms...
react favorably towards treatment with bacteria producing recombinant interleukin 10, showing the importance of interleukin 10 for counteracting excessive immunity in the human body.
A study in mice has shown that interleukin-10 is also produced by
mast cellA mast cell is a resident cell of several types of tissues and contains many granules rich in histamine and heparin. Although best known for their role in allergy and anaphylaxis, mast cells play an important protective role as well, being intimately involved in wound healing and defense against...
s, counteracting the inflammatory effect that these cells have at the site of an allergic reaction.
Function
It is capable of inhibiting synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines like
IFN-γInterferon-gamma is a dimerized soluble cytokine that is the only member of the type II class of interferons. This interferon was originally called macrophage-activating factor, a term now used to describe a larger family of proteins to which IFN-γ belongs...
, IL-2,
IL-3IL-3 may refer to:* Interleukin 3* Illinois' 3rd congressional district* Illinois Route 3...
, TNFα and GM-CSF made by cells such as macrophages and the Type 1 T helper cells.
IL-10 also displays potent abilities to suppress the antigen presentation capacity of antigen presenting cells.
However, it is also stimulatory towards certain T cells, mast cells and stimulates B cell maturation and antibody production.
Expression
It is mainly expressed in
monocyteMonocyte is a type of white blood cell, part of the human body's immune system. Monocytes have two main functions in the immune system: replenish resident macrophages and dendritic cells under normal states, and in response to inflammation signals, monocytes can move quickly Monocyte is a type of...
s and Type 2 T helper cells (T
H2), mast cells, CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, and also in a certain subset of activated T cells and B cells.
It is released by cytotoxic T-cells to inhibit the actions of NK cells during the immune response to
viralThe term viral is used to describe anything related to viruses.Viral may also mean:*See Virality,*Viral phenomenon, such as viral marketing and viral video.*Viral The term viral is used to describe anything related to viruses.Viral may also mean:*See Virality,*Viral phenomenon, such as viral...
infection.
Gene and protein structure
In humans, the IL-10 gene is located in
chromosomeA chromosome is an organized structure of DNA and protein that is found in cells. It is a single piece of coiled DNA containing many genes, regulatory elements and other nucleotide sequences. Chromosomes also contain DNA-bound proteins, which serve to package the DNA and control its functions...
1 and consists of 5 exons.
The IL-10 protein is a
homodimerA dimer is a chemical or biological entity consisting of two structurally similar subunits called monomers, which are joined by bonds, which can be strong or weak.- Organic chemistry :...
. Each subunit is 178 amino acids long.
Interactions
Interleukin 10 has been shown to
interactProtein-protein interactions involve not only the direct-contact association of protein molecules but also longer range interactions through the electrolyte, aqueous solution medium surrounding neighbor hydrated proteins over distances from less than one nanometer to distances of several tens of...
with
Interleukin 10 receptor, alpha subunitInterleukin 10 receptor, alpha subunit is a subunit for the interleukin-10 receptor. IL10RA, is its human gene.IL10RA has also recently been designated CDW210A .-Interactions:...
.