IL-6

From Food & Medicine Encyclopedia

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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[edit]

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