STAT3-mediated anti-inflammatory signalling

IL-10 (interleukin-10) negatively regulates inflammation through a mechanism that blocks the expression of pro-inflammatory genes encoding cytokines, chemokines, cell-surface molecules and other molecules required for the full activation of the innate and adaptive immune responses. The signalling pathway used by the IL-10 receptor to generate the anti-inflammatory response requires STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and is indirect. Thus STAT3 activates other genes whose task is to selectively control transcription of inflammatory targets. Here, I summarize current knowledge of the key features of IL-10 signalling and make predictions concerning the mechanism of IL-10 at the level of inflammatory genes. Understanding IL-10 signalling should be a gateway to the development of broadly acting anti-inflammatory agents.