Interleukins 27 and 6 induce T cell production of interleukin 10 mediated by transcription factor STAT3

Stumhofer JS, Silver JS, Laurence A, Porrett PM, Harris TH, Turka LA, Ernst M, Saris CJM, O'Shea JJ and CA Hunter. (2006) Nature Immunology 7:937-945.

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.