title: Clinical experience of IL-6 blockade in rheumatic diseases - implications on IL-6 biology and disease pathogenesis.
abstract: Interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a significant role in many rheumatological diseases and has been described as both a pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine. IL-6 blockade has been investigated in various rheumatic diseases and a humanised anti-IL-6 receptor antibody has been licensed for use in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic and polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The increasing clinical experience of IL-6 blockade in rheumatic diseases adds to the existing knowledge regarding the physiological and pathological roles of IL-6.
authors.affiliation: CREATE Centre, Section of Rheumatology, Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK. Electronic address: DaviesR101@cardiff.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Ruth
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Davies
authors.affiliation: CREATE Centre, Section of Rheumatology, Institute of Infection and Immunity, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
authors.forename: Ernest
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Choy
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism*; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D015850:Interleukin-6; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6; C502936:tocilizumab
keywords: IL-6 blockade; Interleukin-6; Pathogenesis; Rheumatology