Interleukin-6
From Ganfyd
Common Name:IL-6
Other Names, such as IUPAC Name
Interleukin 6, B-cell stimulatory factor 2, BSF-2, BSF2, IFNB2, interferon beta 2, hybridoma growth factor, HGF, HSF
Biochemical Information
Molecular Structure
Important Issues in Man
Cytokine and protein databases
COPE on Interleukin-6 © copyright conditions here
Relevant Clinical Literature
RCT with IL-6 from Pubmed
Introduction
Interleukin-6 (IL-6, Interleukin 6, B-cell stimulatory factor 2, BSF-2, BSF2, IFNB2, interferon beta 2, hybridoma growth factor, HGF, HSF) is a key mediator of the acute inflammatory response. It is a glycoprotein cytokine coded for at 7p21 by the IL6 gene with both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. It has hormonal properties, as for example with its release from muscles on exercise.
Function
It activates the interleukin-6 receptor and thus the interleukin-6 pathway acute phase response with the membrane bound form of the receptor or the alternative trans-signalling pathway with the soluble form of the receptor (mainly in endothelial or smooth muscle cells).Interleukin-6 pathway activation causes:
- Final differentiation of B cells into Ig-secreting cells
- Macrophage reaction to pathogen associated molecular patterns
- Nerve cell differentiation
- Hepatocyte release of acute phase reactants
- Myokine
- Energy mobilization
- Stimulates osteoclast formation
Pathology
- Induces myeloma and plasmacytoma growth
- Necessary for resistance against common gram positive pathogens like Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Genetic variations associated with:
- Osteoporosis (bone mineral density)
- Stills disease (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis)
- Kaposi sarcoma
