Cytokines, including interleukin-10 (IL-10), are cell signaling molecules taking part in cell‑to‑cell communication, cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. Cytokines also have the ability to induce, regulate, and inhibit inflammation. Cytokines are produced mainly by activated peripheral immune cells, but due to dissemination of the concept of the central nervous system as an immunologically specialized zone, it is considered that cytokine signaling is one of the components of the immune system which can modulate brain functioning. IL-10 shows immunosuppressive properties, and since expression of this cytokine has been shown in the central nervous system, researchers have started to investigate the therapeutic possibilities of IL-10 action in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, which may involve neuroinflammation in their pathogenesis. Recent studies using cell cultures or animal models of neurodegenerative disorders have shown that the importance of IL-10 in the central nervous system goes beyond the anti-inflammatory activity of this cytokine. Involvement of IL-10 in neuroprotection, neurogenesis, regulation of the stress response and hippocampal synaptic plasticity connected with learning and memory is suggested.