IL-10, initially designated cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor (CSIF), was originally identified as a product of murine T helper 2 (Th2) clones that inhibited the cytokine production by Th1 clones that is dependent upon stimulation with antigen in the presence of antigen presenting cells (APC).
IL-10 is a pleiotropic cytokine that can exert either immunostimulatory or immunosuppressive effects on a variety of cell types. It is a potent immunosuppressant of macrophage functions. In vitro, IL-10 can inhibit the accessory function and antigen-presenting capacity of monocytes by, among other effects, downregulating class II MHC expression. Thus, IL-10 can inhibit monocyte/macrophage-dependent, antigen stimulated cytokine synthesis (especially IFN-gamma ) by human PBMNC and NK, and mouse Th1 cells. Additionally, IL-10 is a potent inhibitor of monocyte/macrophage activation and its resultant cytotoxic effects. As an immunostimulatory cytokine, IL-10 can act on B cells to enhance their viability, cell proliferation, Ig secretion, and class II MHC expression. Aside from B lymphocytes, IL-10 is also a growth co-stimulator for thymocytes and mast cells, as well as an enhancer of cytotoxic T cell development.
