ABSTRACT
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a multifunctional cytokine with both immunosuppressive and anti-angiogenic functions. In consequence, IL-10 can have both tumor-promoting and tumor-inhibiting properties. Raised levels of serum and peri-tumoral IL-10 production have been reported in many malignancies, which have been interpreted in support of a role for IL-10 in tumor escape from the immune response. However, gene transfection studies in a number of malignancies argue more convincingly for an anti-tumor function of IL-10, possi bly via inhibition of pathways of angiogenesis.
