Inflammopharmacology. 2025 Sep 28. doi: 10.1007/s10787-025-01975-9. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
Respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pulmonary fibrosis, and infectious conditions including COVID-19 and tuberculosis continue to rank among the foremost causes of illness and death worldwide. Although vaccines, antimicrobial treatments, and anti-inflammatory agents have improved disease management, their overall impact remains limited because of the intricate regulation of immune responses at epithelial surfaces. Within this context, the interleukin-10 (IL-10) cytokine family (comprising IL-10, IL-19, IL-20, IL-22, IL-24, and IL-26) has been identified as a key immunological axis in the respiratory tract. These cytokines possess structural homology and predominantly transmit signals through heterodimeric class II receptors via the JAK-STAT cascade. However, their functions are far from uniform: IL-10 primarily exerts suppressive effects on inflammation, whereas IL-19, IL-20, IL-24, and IL-26 are commonly associated with tissue injury, chronic inflammation, and airway remodeling. IL-22 occupies an intermediate role, promoting epithelial regeneration under certain conditions but aggravating inflammation or tumorigenesis in others. This article reviews recent findings on the IL-10 family in a range of respiratory diseases, emphasizing their context-dependent activity, value as potential biomarkers, and relevance as therapeutic targets. A clearer understanding of how protective versus pathogenic signals are balanced within this cytokine network is essential for designing targeted interventions that preserve host defense while restoring airway integrity.
PMID:41015960 | DOI:10.1007/s10787-025-01975-9
