How This Anti-Inflammatory Gene Is Connected To Lifespan (IL10)

The IL10 gene helps create a protein in the body called IL-10 (short for interleukin 10) [R].

The IL-10 protein has many functions that all center around the immune system and inflammation [R].

Generally speaking, IL-10 helps suppress compounds that cause inflammation while stimulating certain components of the immune system [R].

Research shows that certain variations in the IL10 gene may predispose individuals to several health conditions, including autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, and infections [R, R, R].

More intriguing, perhaps, are the studies that have found that certain variants of IL10 may be associated with longer lifespans [R, R].

The IL-10 Protein

The IL-10 protein is produced with help from the IL10 gene. IL-10 belongs to a class of proteins called cytokines, which are involved in cell signaling [R].

Unlike many other cytokines, IL-10 is primarily an anti-inflammatory compound [R].

Some of the functions of IL-10 include [R, R]:

• Blocking inflammatory cytokines, such as TNFα, IL-1β, and IFNγ
• Stimulating the development of T cells, B cells, and antibodies
• Blocking the activity of NF-κB

The IL-10 protein primarily works by limiting the body’s immune response to pathogens. A pathogen is any infectious agent that can cause disease, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi [R, R].

IL-10 primarily does this by blocking the immune system’s ability to recognize pathogens. This prevents the body from triggering an inflammatory response [R, R].

However, this activity is not always beneficial. Excessively blocking the body’s ability to recognize pathogens can increase the risk of infection [R, R].

The IL-10 protein has many functions, such as suppressing the production of inflammatory compounds while also stimulating the immune system.

There is evidence that the IL10 gene has a significant impact on lifespan. More specifically, variants of IL10 that increase the production of IL-10 may be associated with better longevity [R].

How does increasing the production of IL-10 improve longevity?

According to some researchers, one possible explanation may be the anti-inflammatory effects of IL-10. Increased IL-10 levels may help prevent inflammation-related diseases, which may improve overall survival [R].

Another possible mechanism is the effect of IL-10 on cancer. According to animal studies, increased production of IL-10 may help inhibit tumor growth and suppress the ability of cancers to spread [R, R].

However, there are still some questions regarding the benefits of increased IL-10 production. For example, high levels of IL-10 can also increase the body’s susceptibility to infections, which would negatively affect longevity [R, R].

The anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of IL-10 may help explain why certain variants of IL10 are associated with longer lifespans.

Supporting Evidence

Research suggests that the IL10 gene may play a role in longevity. The ‘CC’ genotype in rs1800896 (sometimes called IL-10 -1082) appears to be associated with longer lifespans [R, R].

One study looked at the genetic information of 450 Italian men and women. Researchers found that the ‘CC’ genotype was significantly more common in men who were 100 years or older [R].

However, this association between the ‘CC’ genotype and longevity was not present in women [R].

A follow-up study of 401 men and women (also from Italian populations) revealed similar results. The ‘CC’ genotype was much more common in men who lived exceptionally long lives, but there appears to be no effect in women [R].

The ‘CC’ genotype in rs1800896 may be linked to longer lifespans. However, this association has only been found in Italian men.

Conflicting Evidence

Not all studies have found evidence that the IL10 gene influences longevity.

For example, several studies have shown no link between rs1800896 and longer lifespans. This includes research that has examined Finnish, Irish, and Sardinian populations [R, R, R].

On top of that, one study suggests that the ‘T’ allele (rather than the ‘C’ allele) may be more common in those that have longer lifespans, based on data taken from a Jordanian population [R].

Several studies suggest the ‘CC’ genotype may not be associated with longevity, based on results from Finnish, Irish, Sardinian, and Jordanian populations.

You can see your genotype for IL10 in the table below. However, keep in mind that these associations are based on studies from certain ethnic populations — so you should interpret your results with caution if you are not descended from one of these specific groups!

Primary SNP: 

IL10 rs1800896

• ‘CT’ and ‘TT’ = No association with longevity
• ‘CC’ = More common in those with longer lifespans in certain populations
• The association between the ‘CC’ genotype and longevity has only been found in Italian men

Frequency in Population

In general, the ‘T’ allele is much more common than the ‘C’ allele. However, the frequencies of these alleles can vary depending on ethnicity.

For example, about 24% of people of European descent have the ‘CC’ genotype. 

On the other hand, only about 1% of Eastern Asians have the ‘CC’ genotype.