title: Soluble IL-6R in plasma cell dyscrasias.
abstract: The understanding of the biology of multiple myeloma has advanced significantly in the past few years. The identification of the pivotal role of Interleukin-6 (IL-6), the soluble IL-6 receptor (sIL-6R), and how the ligand receptor complex interacts with the signal transducer gp130 has provided new biological insights into plasma cell disorders. Some studies have suggested that sIL-6R levels may have prognostic significance in MM, however this is not a consistent finding. Here the biology and function of IL-6 and sIL-6R are reviewed and the clinical significance of sIL-6R discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Haematology, Torbay Hospital, Torquay, UK.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Morgan
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology; D010265:Paraproteinemias / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism*; D011379:Prognosis; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood / Q000502:physiology*; D012995:Solubility
chemical_list: D015850:Interleukin-6; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6