Interleukin-6: historical background, genetics and biological significance.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine previously known as B cell stimulatory factor (BSF-2), interferon-beta 2 (IFN-beta 2), 26-kDa protein, and hepatocyte stimulating factor (HSF). The name IL-6 was proposed when the nucleotide sequences of the cDNAs for these proteins had been determined and the molecules were found to be identical. IL-6 production can be induced by a wide variety of agents in a wide range of cells, although IL-6 gene expression seems to be regulated in a tissue and stimulus specific manner. At least 3 different signal pathways regulate IL-6 gene expression, emphasizing its multiply inducible nature. The currently known activities of IL-6 include regulatory functions in hematopoiesis, immune reactions and acute phase responses. IL-6 appears to be a key member of the IL family; however, it is still poorly understood how IL-6 interacts with other lymphokines within the network. The anti-viral activity of IL-6 seems to be negligible. Elevated IL-6 levels have been found in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma and systemic lupus erythematosus. The abnormal expression and dysregulation of IL-6 in certain disorders may be a typical feature of this cytokine, making it the first cytokine that may be directly related to pathogenesis.
Department of Surgery, Erasmus University, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Wolvekamp
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Marquet
D000818:Animals; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D006825:Hybridomas / Q000378:metabolism; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000378:metabolism; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000378:metabolism; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D015850:Interleukin-6; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6