The role of IL-10 in the modulation of the immune response in normal conditions and the tumor environment

Abstract

Under the influence of the various stimuli that activate transcription factors such as cMaf, NFIL3, and ERK, many normal and neoplastic cells are able to produce the same cytokine--IL-10. There is increasing evidence that this cytokine has a significant impact on various aspects of the immune control mechanisms. Therefore, it is important to complete understanding of which factors are responsible for regulation of Il10 gene expression and protein secretion. The influence of IL-10 on cells, as in the case of other cytokines, depends on the presence of the specific receptor. Its expression has been shown, among others, on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (dendritic cells, macrophages, B cells), NK cells, T lymphocytes CD8+ and CD4+ (including Tr1, Th1 and Th2), which play an important role in the development of anti-tumor immunity. Therefore, the role of IL-10 in this process is considered to an increasing extent. There are a number of results showing that IL-10 is involved in the generation of immunosuppression, while others demonstrate immunostimulatory properties of this cytokine. This functional duality of IL-10 is substantial in the context of the regulation of tumor growth, both its promotion and fighting against it.