Interleukin-10 controls human peripheral PMN activation triggered by lipopolysaccharide

• IL-10 effects on successive LPS exposures on a single PMN population were studied.
• PMN exposed to IL-10 were less responsive towards a first or second LPS exposure.
• IL-10 modulate PMN activation by prevention of priming and autocrine positive loops.
• In sepsis, the rapid systemic appearance of IL-10 may limit PMN-induced tissue damage.

Large amounts of anti-inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin (IL)-10, are produced and found early in the course of sepsis. We explore the role of IL-10 on neutrophil (PMN) activation/function using an in vitro model. Isolated human PMN were pre-incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or IL-10 for 18 h. Subsequently, a second LPS exposure was performed and CD11b and CD66b up-regulation, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation were measured 2 h later. We found that IL-10 prevented PMN activation and the secretion of TNF-α and IL-8 induced by the first LPS contact. In the absence of IL-10, a second LPS exposure induced additive effects that were prevented by IL-10. Only ROS generation was highly affected by the blockade of PMN-secreted TNF-α or IL-8. Additionally, IL-10 prevented other possible mechanisms of LPS priming. Therefore, IL-10 modulates PMN activation preventing autocrine activating loops and priming mechanisms, rendering PMN less responsive to a second LPS exposure.