Molecular and cellular biology of interleukin-6 and its receptor.
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a member of the family of cytokines collectively termed "the interleukin-6 type cytokines." Among its many functions, IL-6 plays an active role in immunology, bone metabolism, reproduction, arthritis, neoplasia, and aging. IL-6 expression is regulated by a variety of factors, including steroidal hormones, at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. IL-6 achieves its effects through the ligand-specific IL-6 receptor (IL-6R). Unlike most other cytokine receptors, the IL-6R is active in both membrane bound and soluble forms. Defining mechanisms to control IL-6 or IL-6R expression may prove useful for therapy of the many clinical disorders in IL-6 plays a role.
Keller
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Glennan Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk 23507-1912USA. ekeller@intmed1.evms.edu
Wanagat
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Ershler
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D000818:Animals; D001695:Biology / Q000379:methods; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
D015850:Interleukin-6; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6