Understanding the molecular mechanisms of the multifaceted IL‐10‐mediated anti‐inflammatory response: Lessons from neutrophils

Analysis of the molecular mechanisms governing the ability of IL‐10 to keep inflammation under control has highlighted the existence of a great degree of plasticity and specificity with regard to innate immune cells. In this respect, neutrophils represent a perfect example of innate immune cells conditioned by external signals (for instance, by LPS), as well as by intracellular regulatory pathways, that render them optimally responsive to IL‐10 only when required. The focus of this review are the recent experimental findings that have uncovered the sophisticated and complex molecular mechanisms responsible for the modulation of pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine production by IL‐10 in neutrophils and other innate immune cells. Understanding how IL‐10 exerts its anti‐inflammatory response, particularly in the case of neutrophils, will provide novel clues leading, hopefully, to the therapeutic control of neutrophil‐driven inflammatory reactions, such as septic infections, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.