Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Interleukin-6 is a pro-inflammatory glycoprotein consisting of 184 amino acids. The gene coding for interleukin-6 is located on the 7th chromosome in humans.
Interleukin-6 binds to specific interleukin-6 receptors (IL-6R = CD126) and forms complexes with them, which bind to the ubiquitous membrane-bound gp-130. The receptors for interleukin-6 are located on T lymphocytes, on activated B lymphocytes, on monocytes, hepatocytes and on B-cell lymphoma cells. 200-1500 receptors are expressed per cell and the gene coding for interleukin-6 is located on the 7th chromosome.
Interleukin-6 is mainly secreted by monocytes/macrophages, but also by epithelial and endothelial cells. Interleukin-6 has broad biological effects.
The cytokine is essentially involved in the regulation of the humoral and cell-mediated immune defence. It promotes the differentiation of CD4+ lymphocytes into Th17 cells. The cytokine also causes the differentiation of B-lymphocytes and macrophages as well as the maturation of megakaryocytes and osteoclasts. The cytokine stimulates the synthesis of the immunoglobulins G and M, the "oxidative burst" in monocytes and neutrophilic granulocytes. Interleukin-6 induces the secretion of acute phase proteins in the liver (C-reactive protein, ferritin, serum amyloid A) as well as the production of other cytokines and acts together with interleukin-1 and TNFalpha as an endogenous pyrogen.
Interleukin-6 stimulates the release of ACTH from the pituitary gland; the resulting glucocorticoids in turn inhibit the production of interleukin-6 (negative feedback between the immune system and the neuroendocrine system).
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
Standard value: The standard value is up to 10 µg/ml
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General therapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Still experimental are therapy physicians with monoclonal antibodies that block the IL-6 receptor(tocilizumab) in systemic amlyoidosis.
A smaller study with tocilizumab exists for systemic lupus erythematosus. A significant improvement in the disease activity of SLE was found in 8 out of 15 patients. Arthritis improved in 7 patients, and the concentration of DNA-AK was reduced, as were IgG levels.
There are single case reports of positive effects in systemic scleroderma.
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Overexpression of interleukin-6 results in a strong increase in serum IgG1 concentration with possible development of glomerulonephritis. In addition, an increased serum concentration of interleukin-6 appears to be involved in the development of a variety of diseases, e.g. chronic polyarthritis, myeloma, lymphomas, rheumatoid arthritis and liver cirrhosis.
Polymorphisms in the interleukin-6 gene (IL-6-174G/C and IL-6-572G/C) appear to increase the risk of systemic lupus erythematosus.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Cui YX et al (2015) Association of the interleukin-6 polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus: a meta-analysis. Lupus 24:1308-1317.
- Frech TM et al (2015) Protective role of interleukin-6 in systemic sclerosis gastrointestinal tract involvement: case report and review of the literature. Clin Exp Rheumatol 33(4 Suppl 91):S179-181.
- Hartman J et al (2014) Inflammation and atherosclerosis: a review of the role of interleukin-6 in the development of atherosclerosis and the potential for targeted drug therapy. Cardiol Rev 22:147-151.
- Hou H et al (2015) Association of interleukin-6 gene polymorphism with coronary artery disease: an updated systematic review and cumulative meta-analysis. Inflamm Res 64:707-720.
- Kawahara Y et al (2014) Persistent fever and weight loss due to an interleukin-6-producing adrenocortical oncocytoma in a girl-review of the literature. Eur J Pediatr 173:1107-1110.
- Kumari N et al (2016) Role of interleukin-6 in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Tumour Biol 37:11553-11572.
- Lane T et al (2015) Therapeutic blockade of interleukin-6 by tocilizumab in the management of AA amyloidosis and chronic inflammatory disorders: a case series and review of the literature. Clin Exp Rheumatol 33(6 Suppl 94):S46-53.
- Liu X et al (2016) The biology behind interleukin-6 targeted interventions. Curr Opin Rheumatol 28:152-160.