Interleukins 27 and 6 induce STAT3-mediated T cell production of interleukin 10

• Published in: Nature immunology Vol. 8; no. 12; pp. 1363 - 1371
• Main Authors: Hunter, Christopher A, O'Shea, John J, Stumhofer, Jason S, Saris, Christiaan J M, Turka, Laurence A, Harris, Tajie H, Porrett, Paige M, Ernst, Matthias, Laurence, Arian, Silver, Jonathan S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Nature Publishing Group 01.12.2007
• Subjects: Animals; Humans; Immune system; Interleukin-10 - biosynthesis; Interleukin-10 - metabolism; Interleukin-17 - metabolism; Interleukin-17 - physiology; Interleukin-6 - metabolism; Interleukin-6 - physiology; STAT1 Transcription Factor - metabolism; STAT3 Transcription Factor - metabolism; STAT3 Transcription Factor - physiology; T-Lymphocytes - immunology; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer
• ISSN: 1529-2908; 1529-2916
• DOI: 10.1038/ni1537

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) has a prominent function in regulating the balance between protective and pathological T cell responses. Consistent with that activity, many sources of this cytokine are found in vivo, including from myeloid cells and a variety of T cell subsets. However, although there are many pathways that regulate innate production of IL-10, the factors that govern its synthesis by the adaptive response are poorly understood. Here we report that IL-27 and IL-6 induced T helper type 1 and type 2 cells, as well as T helper cells that produce IL-17, to secrete IL-10. This effect was dependent on the transcription factors STAT1 and STAT3 for IL-27 and on STAT3 for IL-6. Our studies identify a previously unknown pathway that allows the immune system to temper inflammatory responses.