Gene of the month: Interleukin 6 (IL-6). Issue 11 (16th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ataie-Kachoie, Parvin; Pourgholami, Mohammad H; Richardson, Des R; Morris, David L
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical pathology. Volume 67:Issue 11(2014)
• Page Start: 932
• Page End: 937
• Publication Date: 2014-07-16
• Subjects: Inflammation -- Cancer Research -- Cell Biology; Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology, Molecular -- Periodicals; 616.0705
• DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2014-202493
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9746

Abstract

Abstract : The Interleukin 6 (IL-6) gene encodes the classic proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. It is also known as interferon-β2 (IFN-β2), B cell stimulatory factor-2 and hybridoma/plasmacytoma growth factor. IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine with a central role in many physiological inflammatory and immunological processes. Due to its major role in initiation as well as resolving inflammation, deregulation of IL-6 is a mainstay of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, IL-6 has been shown to be implicated in pathogenesis of many human malignancies. Thus, a better understanding of IL-6 and its role in various pathological conditions could enable the development of strategies to use it as a therapeutic target. This short review focuses on the structure, regulation and biological activities of IL-6. In addition we discuss the role of IL-6 in diseases with inflammatory background and cancer and also the therapeutic applications of anti-IL-6 agents.