This invention relates to methods and compositions for overcoming the dose-dependent down regulation of interleukin 10 (IL-10) by expressing, in addition to an interleukin 10 (IL-10) peptide, an IL-10 receptor type 1 (IL-10R1) peptide. The methods have use in treating a variety of diseases and symptoms, including but not limited to neuropathic or chronic pain； symptoms and physiological damage associated with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, ALS, neuroinflammation, arthritis and other diseases of the joint； and autoimmune diseases.
