IL-6

IL-6 or Interleukin 6 is a cytokine protein that plays an important role in immune response. It is a significant factor in the reactions of the immune system during infection and after trauma, especially burns or other tissue damage leading to inflammation.

Function

IL-6 is secreted by T cells and macrophages to stimulate immune response, especially during tissue damage and infection. It is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier and initiating synthesis of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen by the liver.

Clinical Significance

Elevated levels of IL-6 have been linked to a number of clinical conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and cancer. It is also implicated in the pathophysiology of depression and Alzheimer's disease.

Therapeutic Use

Several drugs have been developed that target IL-6 or its receptor. These include tocilizumab, sarilumab, and siltuximab, which are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

See Also

• Cytokine
• T cells
• Macrophages
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Cancer
• Depression
• Alzheimer's disease