Question

Identify the cytokine which is primarily immunosuppressive?

• A. IL-2
• B. IFN-$\gamma$
• C. IL-10
• D. TNF-$\alpha$

Hint:

Remember the important cytokines: \[ \boxed{ \begin{aligned} \mathrm{IL\!-\!2} &\rightarrow \text{T-cell growth} \mathrm{IFN\!-\!\gamma} &\rightarrow \text{Cell-mediated immunity} \mathrm{TNF\!-\!\alpha} &\rightarrow \text{Inflammation} \mathrm{IL\!-\!10} &\rightarrow \text{Immunosuppression} \end{aligned} } \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Recall the functions of major cytokines. \[ \begin{aligned} \mathrm{IL\!-\!2} &\rightarrow \text{T-cell proliferation}, \mathrm{IFN\!-\!\gamma} &\rightarrow \text{Macrophage activation}, \mathrm{TNF\!-\!\alpha} &\rightarrow \text{Pro-inflammatory cytokine}, \mathrm{IL\!-\!10} &\rightarrow \text{Anti-inflammatory / Immunosuppressive}. \end{aligned} \]

Step 2: Identify the immunosuppressive cytokine. IL-10 suppresses inflammatory cytokine production and limits excessive immune responses. Hence, \[ \boxed{\mathrm{IL\!-\!10}} \] is the correct answer. Therefore, \[ \boxed{(C)} \] is the correct answer.