IL-10 / anti-inflammatory cytokines

Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is your immune system's main 'calm down' signal. It is an anti-inflammatory cytokine, made mostly by macrophages, regulatory T cells, and B cells. It tamps down inflammation by blocking the production of fiery cytokines (like IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-12) in immune cells, partly by suppressing the NF-κB and STAT1 pathways. In a healthy immune system, IL-10 is a key brake. It prevents your defenses from damaging your own tissue during infection or autoimmunity, acting as a counterweight to inflammatory signals like IL-6 and TNF-α. With age, the balance between IL-10 and those inflammatory signals gets thrown off, but not in one simple direction. Some studies find older people make less IL-10, others find more, which suggests the change depends on the tissue and the trigger, rather than just dropping across the board.

Last reviewed: June 22, 2026

This definition is educational and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to a doctor about any health decisions. Read our full medical disclaimer