Interleukin-10 (IL-10 or IL10), also known as human cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor (CSIF), is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, capable of inhibiting synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines like Interferon-gamma, IL-2, IL-3, TNFα and GM-CSF by cells such as macrophages and the Type 2 T helper cells. However, it is also stimulatory towards certain T cells, mast cells and B cells.

It is mainly expressed in monocytes and Type 2 T helper cells (T_H2), mast cells and also in a certain subset of activated T cells and B cells.

Gene and Protein Structure

In humans, the IL-10 gene is located in chromosome 1 and consists of 4 exons.

The IL-10 protein is a homodimer . Each subunit is 178 amino-acids long.