Interleukin-6 production (IL-6 production)

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a central role in regulating immune responses and inflammation, and is critically involved in hematopoiesis, metabolism, neural function, and the development of various diseases. IL-6 is produced by many cell types in response to infection, trauma, and other stressors. Its signaling initiates via binding to the membrane-bound IL-6 receptor (IL-6Rα, CD126) or its soluble form (sIL-6R), in complex with the signal transducer glycoprotein gp130 (CD130), activating intracellular JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways. The balance between classic signaling (restricted to select cells with IL-6R) and trans-signaling (via sIL-6R, affecting a wider range of cells) underlies the dual pro- and anti-inflammatory properties of IL-6. Dysregulated IL-6 production is implicated in numerous pathological conditions including chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmunity, and cancers. Several monoclonal antibodies (e.g., tocilizumab, sarilumab) have been developed to inhibit IL-6 or its receptor, providing therapeutic benefit in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and cytokine release syndromes.

Other names

Interleukin 6IL-6Interleukin-6 cytokine

Inhibition of IL-6 binding to IL-6R; Blockade of IL-6 receptor complex formation; Inhibition of downstream JAK/STAT signaling