ABSTRACT
Initially referred to as cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor (CSIF),1 Interleukin-10 (IL10) is an immuno-modulatory cytokine with an important role as a down-regulator of allergic inflammation and cellular immunity. IL-10 appears to inhibit both lymphocyte replication and secretion of pro-inflammatory TH1 cytokines, including other members of the Interleukin family (specifically IL1, IL6, IL8, and IL12), and inhibition of secretion of tumor necrosis factor a (TNF), by activated macrophages.2 IL-10 is produced by a broad range of cells including dendritic cells, B cells, CD4þ and CD8þ T cells, macrophages, and antigenpresenting cells stimulated by bacterial pathogens.
