title: Recombinant human interleukin-6: safety issues of a pleiotropic growth factor.
abstract: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a pivotal role in hematopoiesis, immune reactions and acute phase responses. It has been demonstrated, however, that the abnormal expression and dysregulation of IL-6 homeostasis are involved in the pathogenesis of a range of diseases. It is the purpose of this article to review briefly some of the biological properties of IL-6 in order to discuss issues related to the safety evaluation of recombinant human IL-6 (rhIL-6). Knowledge of the biological properties is important for, (1) selection of a responsive species for toxicological studies and (2) proper interpretation of the side-effect profile.
authors.affiliation: Sandoz Pharma Ltd, Basel, Switzerland.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Kammüller
mesh_terms: D000210:Acute-Phase Reaction / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D006410:Hematopoiesis / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology / Q000633:toxicity*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D015850:Interleukin-6; D011994:Recombinant Proteins