Interplay between IL-10 and TNF in SLE. This figure represents a simplified model of the complex relationship between IL-10 and TNF in lupus disease. Both cytokines are produced by multiple cells types of the innate and adaptative immune system, in particular dendritic cells (DCs), monocytes/macrophages, and specific effector T cells. Th1 cells produce the proinflammatory cytokine TNF which activates DCs and other antigen presenting cells (APCs), and induces the production of IL-10. In addition, TNF promotes inflammation and apoptosis, generating neoantigens that could result in autoantibody production. On the other hand, IL-10, a Th2 cytokine, antagonize Th1 differentiation and inhibits APCs and T cells. Conversely, IL-10 is a potent stimulator of B cell proliferation, differentiation and antibody production. Thus, B cell activation in presence of neo-antigens may led to autoantibody secretion and immune complexes formation, thus resulting in tissue damage affecting diverse organs. STAT; signal transducer and activator of transcription.
