Interleukin 10 (IL-10) Suppresses Immune System, According to Researchers

A cytokine, called interleukin 10 (IL-10) is secreted to suppress the immune system in response to the inflammation produced by autoimmune diseases. This finding could be important in terms of understanding more about autoimmune diseases. According to NIAMS (the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases), "Mice unable to produce IL-10 have been shown to develop a fatal autoimmune disease, a condition in which an overactive immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. Although the importance of IL-10 in immunosuppression has been recognized, how the cytokine is produced as a response to excessive inflammation has been unclear."

Another significant finding -- researchers have discovered that two other cytokines, IL-27 and IL-6, prompt immune cells called T cells to secrete IL-10. One of the researchers emphasized, "“If we can tease out the intricacies of the regulation of IL-10 and other cytokines, we may be better able to see how autoimmune diseases develop and design possible treatments for those they affect."

Related Resources:

• What Are Cytokines?
• Inflammation - The Battle Within
• Test Your Knowledge - Inflammation
• Inflammation Elevates Risk of Cardiac Death in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

_{Photo by Lajos Repasi (iStockphoto)}