Interleukin-10 (IL-10) | Laboratory research

General Information

Interleukins are cytokines that are synthesized by various types of cells. Their main features are:

• Cytokines are proteins produced in response to pathogens and various antigens that regulate inflammatory and immune responses.
• The production of interleukins is a self-limiting process
• Interleukins also have additional functions. For example, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 are B-cell growth factors and ensure their differentiation.
• Some interleukins affect the synthesis of other interleukins, eg IL-1 induces lymphocyte activation and release of IL-2.

Interleukins are involved in immune cell activation, proliferation and differentiation, as well as migration and adhesion.

Interleukins have pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory activity. Interleukins consist of a large group of proteins that can cause various reactions by attaching to the surface of tissues and cells. They have both paracrine and autocrine properties.

Interleukin-10 has an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive function, modulating the immune response against invading pathogens.

The specific receptor for IL-10 belongs to the family of cytokine receptors. These receptors are mainly found on the surface of hemopoietic-blood-forming cells (macrophages, mast cells). IL-10 can regulate the immune response within the inflammatory focus.

The role of IL-10 is complex: on the one hand, it inhibits the synthesis of cytokines associated with cellular immunity and immune inflammation, on the other hand, it stimulates cytotoxic and humoral immune response.

The IL-10 cytokine also inhibits the release of oxygen free radicals and the nitric oxide (NO)-based bactericidal activity of macrophages.

At the level of the respiratory system, IL-10 plays an important role in establishing and maintaining tolerance to atmospheric allergens. Asthma and allergic rhinitis are often associated with a decrease in IL-10 synthesis, which creates favorable conditions for the creation of an inflammatory environment in the respiratory system.

IL-10 inhibits the synthesis of immunoglobulin E mediated by IL-4, shortens the life span of eosinophils, therefore IL-10 deficiency is associated with the pathogenic mechanisms of allergic diseases.

IL-10 is also involved in the development and progression of systemic lupus erythematosus. The severity of the course of the disease is correlated with the concentration of IL-10 - paradoxically, the IL-10 titer is high in this disease.

IL-10 is involved in the pathogenesis of a number of autoimmune diseases, such as:

• Myasthenia gravis
• Graves' disease
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Polymyositis
• Systemic sclerosis
• Pemphigus vulgaris

Also in immunosuppressive processes during leprosy and parasitic infections.

When is the research conducted?

Determining the titer of interleukins in biological fluids is used for the diagnostics and monitoring of immune diseases as an additional study, along with other clinical and paraclinical data.

Patient preparation – Do not sacrifice specific preparation

Study material – Venous blood

reference norm – < 9.1 pg/ml

Interpretation of results

An increase in IL-10 concentration is observed in the following cases:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Diabetes mellitus
• Pulmonary tuberculosis