ABSTRACT
Introduction There is increasing interest in the role of IL-10 in allergic diseases, particularly asthma, as is
it an important anti-inflammatory mediator in allergic diseases, but it may also have therapeutic potential and lead to novel approaches to the treatment of allergic diseases in the future. IL-10 is a unique cytokine with a wide spectrum of anti-inflammatory effects and a profile of activity that suggests that it may be a powerful inhibitor of allergic responses.1'3
Recently several related cytokines have been identified, including IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24 and IL-26, making up a new IL-10 family of cytokines.4 Some of these cytokines may activate IL-10 receptors, but little is known about their function or their role in allergic diseases. The IL-10 relate cytokines are widely expressed in immune cells making it likely that they pay a role in the inflammatory response. 5
Secretion on IL-10 Allergic Disease IL-10 is produced by several cell types, including monocytes, macrophages, T-lymphocytes,
dendritic cells, eosinophils and mast cells, all of which are involved in allergic diseases.
