Role of Interleukin-10 Promoter Gene Polymorphisms in Susceptibility to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Systematic Review

Abstract

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by multisystem inflammation that predominantly affects women of reproductive age. Genetic factors, particularly polymorphisms within the interleukin-10 (IL-10) promoter region, have been implicated in disease susceptibility through their influence on cytokine expression and immune regulation. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the association between IL-10 promoter polymorphisms and SLE susceptibility across different populations. A systematic literature search was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SagePub, and Wiley Online Library for studies published between 2005 and 2025. Eligible case-control studies investigating IL-10 promoter polymorphisms in SLE were included. Of 82 records identified, 12 studies met the eligibility criteria, comprising 2,462 patients with SLE and 3,274 healthy controls. Most studies reported significant associations between SLE susceptibility and the IL-10 promoter polymorphisms −1082A/G, −819C/T, and −592C/A. The GCC haplotype was the most consistently reported risk haplotype and was frequently associated with increased IL-10 expression and greater susceptibility to SLE. Overall, current evidence supports the contribution of IL-10 promoter polymorphisms to genetic susceptibility to SLE across diverse populations.