title: The many faces of interleukin-6: the role of IL-6 in inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis in systemic sclerosis.
abstract: Interleukin-6 is currently attracting significant interest as a potential therapeutic target in systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this paper, the biology of interleukin-6 is reviewed, and the evidence for interleukin-6 dysregulation in SSc is explored. The role of inteleukin-6 classical and trans signalling pathways in SSc relevant phenomena such as chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, endothelial cell dysfunction, and fibrogenesis is discussed. The existing evidence that interventions designed to block interleukin-6 signalling are of therapeutic relevance in SSc is evaluated.
authors.affiliation: Department of Rheumatology, Institute of Chronic Disease and Ageing, University of Liverpool and Clinical Sciences Centre, Aintree University Hospital, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool L9 7AL, UK.
authors.forename: Theresa C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Barnes
authors.forename: Marina E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Anderson
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Moots