Interleukin 10 (IL-10) is a member of the IL-10 family of class II cytokines. Upon binding to its receptor, IL-10 activates signaling through JAK1 and STAT3. IL-10 can inhibit the activation of certain immune cells while it promotes the function of B cells, and facilitate healing process. Specifically, this cytokine is important for the function of T regulatory cells as it is a potent suppressor of effector T cell proliferation and cytokine production. Also, IL-10 produced by a subset of macrophages inhibits activation and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines by neighboring macrophages, thus allowing a level of self-regulation. IL-10 enhances B cell proliferation, immunoglobulin secretion, and class II MHC expression.
