IL-10 Stimulates Microglia and Neurons to Produce Endogenous Opioid Peptides and Reduce Neuro-Inflammatory Chronic Pain

Chronic pain, persisting beyond three months, affects millions worldwide with no effective treatments. While some anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-4 can trigger macrophages to produce pain-relieving opioid peptides, the role of IL-10 in this process remains unexplored. This study investigates IL-10's potential to stimulate opioid peptide production in neurons and glial cells and reduce pain. Using immunofluorescent staining, enzyme immunoassays, and the Von Frey test, we examined cells treated with LPS and cytokines, and assessed pain reduction in mouse models. Our findings suggest that IL-10 can trigger neurons and microglia to produce opioid peptides, albeit less efficiently than IL-4. These results indicate a potential new target for chronic pain treatment, combining IL-4 and IL-10 therapies, offering a promising alternative to current pain management strategies.