Interleukin 6

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a cytokine that coordinates inflammatory responses, immune-cell activity, and blood-cell development. Its effects depend on the target cell and whether signaling occurs through membrane-bound or soluble receptors.

Interleukin 6 receptor: A receptor for IL-6 that can be membrane-bound or shed into a soluble form. Membrane-bound and soluble receptors determine which cells respond to IL-6.
Tocilizumab: A monoclonal antibody that blocks the interleukin 6 receptor. This treatment suppresses IL-6 receptor signaling in several inflammatory disorders.
Cytokine: A small secreted signaling protein that regulates interactions among cells, especially in immunity. IL-6 is one member of this broad family of cellular messengers.
Rheumatoid arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disease that inflames joints and can damage cartilage and bone. IL-6 contributes to inflammation and systemic symptoms in this disease.
gp130: A signal-transducing receptor protein shared by several cytokine receptor complexes. IL-6 receptor binding recruits gp130 to initiate intracellular signaling.
Sarilumab: A monoclonal antibody that binds and blocks the interleukin 6 receptor. It is another receptor-targeting treatment for conditions driven by inflammatory signaling.
Innate immune system: The body's rapid defense system, which detects threats and initiates inflammatory responses. Innate immune cells are major sources of IL-6 during infection and tissue injury.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A group of chronic inflammatory arthritis conditions beginning before age sixteen. IL-6 signaling is implicated in systemic and joint inflammation in some forms.
JAK-STAT signaling pathway: A signaling system in which Janus kinases activate signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins. This pathway carries many IL-6 signals from the receptor into the nucleus.
Siltuximab: A monoclonal antibody that binds interleukin 6 and prevents it from engaging its receptor. Unlike receptor blockers, it neutralizes the IL-6 molecule itself.

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