The effects of IL-6 on CD4 T cell responses.
Cytokines have long been known to profoundly influence the adaptive immune response by determining CD4 T cell differentiation. Although IL-6 has been initially characterized as a B cell growth factor and inducer of antibody production research from our lab and others has revealed over the last years that IL-6 also plays a significant role in CD4 T cell differentiation. This review highlights the variety of ways in which IL-6 affects CD4 effector functions and how this may contribute to different types of diseases.
Dienz
Oliver
O
Department of Medicine/Immunobiology program, Given Medical Building D305, University of Vermont, 89 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
Rincon
Mercedes
M
D000818:Animals; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000276:immunology; D002470:Cell Survival; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000276:immunology*; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6 / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology
D015850:Interleukin-6; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6