Study Examines Japanese People with Lupus
Cytokines are proteins released by cells that have an effect on the interactions, communications or behavior of cells, and include molecules (interleukins and interferons) that trigger inflammation and response to infections. Interluekin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine that is known to inhibit (prevent) inflammatory cytokines and in early research has shown that it may inhibit lupus nephritis, arthritis and neurological symptoms.
Researchers examined the presence of anti-IL-10 antibodies to better understand their role in the development of lupus. The researchers found that anti-IL-10 was present in their study population of 80 people, but at this point could not be connected directly to disease activity in people with lupus. They concluded that the early results point to the need for larger studies to learn more.