This study demonstrates that peritoneal mast cell-derived IL-10 protects against colitis by promoting anti-inflammatory macrophage responses along the peritoneal cavity–colon axis. Wild-type mast cells reduced inflammatory macrophages and neutrophil infiltration while increasing IL-10-producing macrophages, including GATA6⁺IL-10⁺ macrophages in the colon. These protective effects were lost when mast cells lacked IL-10 or peritoneal macrophages were depleted. The findings identify the mast cell–IL-10–macrophage circuit as an innate immune mechanism of intestinal tolerance and a potential therapeutic target for intestinal inflammation. This study was conducted in collaboration with the Department of Immunology at Konkuk University School of Medicine.

Choi, M.Y., Jo, M.G., Min, K.Y., You, J.S., Kim, Y.M., Kim, H.S., Hwang, S., Choi, W.S. Peritoneal mast cell-derived IL-10 promotes peritoneal-colon tolerance by reprogramming macrophages to ameliorate colitis. Scientific Reports. 2026 Jul 15; 54(4): doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-62144-8.