Two Genes Linked to IL-10 Expression

Immunologists have identified two genes that are involved in the production of the immune system cytokine, interleukin-10 (IL-10). IL-10 is capable of inhibiting synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines like interferon-gamma, IL-2, IL-3, TNF-alpha, and GM-CSF (granulocyte monocyte colony-stimulating factor) made by cells such as macrophages and type 1 T helper cells. IL-10 also displays potent abilities to suppress the antigen presentation capacity of antigen presenting cells. However, it is also stimulatory towards certain T cells, mast cells, and B cells.

In a study published in the December 2007 issue of the journal Immunity, investigators from Weill Cornell Medical College (New York, NY, USA) reported finding that two genes, pre-B transcription factor 1(Pbx-1) and Pbx-regulating protein 1 (Prep-1, were linked to IL-10 expression. These two genes were known for their role in embryonic development and several forms of leukemia, but had not previously been linked to IL-10.

"IL-10 production has to be kept in a delicate balance for health,” explained senior author Dr. Xiaojing Ma, professor of immunology and microbiology at Weill Cornell Medical College. "Too much IL-10 can leave the body more vulnerable to killers such as viruses and cancer, and to certain antibody-driven autoimmune diseases such as lupus, while too little can lead to run-away inflammatory pathology. Therefore, a better understanding of IL-10 regulation moves us closer to understanding these illnesses and--potentially--how to better treat them. Because IL-10 expression (and related T-cell suppression) are so important to the etiology of so many illnesses, discoveries like ours could point to molecular pathways that may become important new targets for drug discovery going forward.”


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Weill Cornell Medical College