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Interleukin-10 (IL-10)

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in regulating immune responses and limiting inflammation. It is often measured to assess the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory states.

Quick summary

IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine used to evaluate immune response balance.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
pg/mL
Clinical utility
diagnostic
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
R&D Systems IL-10 ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery IL-10
interpretation: {"text":"Levels above 10 pg/mL may indicate an active anti-inflammatory response or an underlying condition such as an infection or autoimmune disorder.","label":"Elevated"}; {"text":"Levels below 0 pg/mL may suggest a deficiency in anti-inflammatory regulation, potentially leading to uncontrolled inflammation.","label":"Low"}

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine produced primarily by immune cells such as T-helper cells, monocytes, and macrophages. It functions as a key regulator of immune responses by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting the activation of immune cells.

In clinical settings, IL-10 levels are often measured to diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Elevated levels may indicate an ongoing anti-inflammatory response, while low levels can suggest a lack of regulation in inflammatory processes.

The normal reference range for IL-10 is typically between 0–10 pg/mL. Deviations from this range can provide valuable insights into the patient's immune status and help guide treatment strategies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the role of IL-10 in the immune system?
IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that helps to suppress the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and control immune responses.
How is IL-10 testing used in clinical practice?
IL-10 testing is used to diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases by measuring the balance of anti-inflammatory responses.
  1. 1
    Interleukin-10Source
  2. 2
    IL-10 as a diagnostic markerSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy