Interleukin-10 Unit Converter

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a small signaling protein produced by immune cells. It is the body's primary anti-inflammatory cytokine, meaning its main job is to dial down immune responses and prevent them from causing excessive tissue damage.

Originally discovered as "cytokine synthesis inhibitory factor" (CSIF), IL-10 works by blocking the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-12. It acts as a natural brake on the immune system.

In healthy individuals, circulating IL-10 levels are very low (often near the detection limit of standard assays). Elevated levels generally reflect an active immune response or ongoing inflammation, where the body is producing IL-10 to counterbalance the inflammatory process.

IL-10 is produced by a wide range of immune cells, including T helper cells, regulatory T cells, B cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, and mast cells. Non-immune cells such as intestinal epithelial cells and skin keratinocytes also produce it in smaller amounts.