Interleukin-6 is a cytokine produced in response to tissue injury or trauma by white blood cells. It can behave as both an anti-inflammatory agent and a proinflammatory mediator. Interleukin-6 plays an important role in regulating cell growth and immune functioning, but too much can lead to autoimmune diseases.
Interleukin-6 is a substance produced in response to tissue injury or trauma by specialized white blood cells called T cells, as well as macrophages and endothelial cells. As the name suggests, this substance is an interleukin. However, it is also classified as a cytokine, which means that it is involved in the transmission of information between cells as both a signaling molecule and a signaling protein. As such, interleukin-6 can behave as both an anti-inflammatory agent and a proinflammatory mediator, depending on certain conditions. Although interleukin-6 is produced naturally in the body, it can also be synthesized in the laboratory.
Interleukin-6 is known by many other names, including interferon-B2, cytotoxic T-cell differentiation factor, and B-cell stimulating factor-2, among others. It is also classified as a monomer, meaning it belongs to a group of organic compounds that can bond with similar molecules to form polymers. Specifically, interleukin-6 is a monomer of 184 amino acids secreted by these specialized cells. This release occurs at a single genetic site known as 7p21.
Interleukin-6 plays an important role in regulating cell growth and immune functioning. In fact, its release is triggered by tissue damage or infection. The receptor sites are found on the surface of numerous cells throughout the body. From these sites, interleukin-6 transports a variety of proteins via three major signal transduction pathways: protein kinase C, cAMP/protein kinase A, and calcium release. Each interleukin-6 molecule performs a specific action, depending on which cell has initiated its release.
Circulating interleukin-6 stimulates the immune system by promoting what is known as an acute phase reaction. This process promotes the production and release of acute phase proteins, which behave like generic antibodies. Specifically, the release of c-reactive protein increases phagocytosis, the process by which some cells surround and neutralize invading bacteria and other pathogens. This results in an acute phase response, such as fever. This is due to the increased distribution of energy in the muscles and adipose tissue, which causes the body temperature to rise.
Interleukin-6 is also known as a myokine, a type of cytokine triggered by muscle contraction and then released into the bloodstream. This exchange promotes a variety of biological actions. First, it increases the breakdown of fats. It also improves insulin resistance, resulting in better glucose absorption and utilization. Thus, interleukin-6 therapy may have application in the treatment of certain conditions, such as obesity and type II diabetes.
While interleukin-6 is vital for optimal immune functioning, the downside is having too much of the good stuff. Impaired or uncontrolled interleukin-6 gene expression can produce unwanted immune responses and lead to a variety of diseases, including autoimmune diseases. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis, for example, typically have elevated levels of interleukin-6 in their synovial tissue. To combat this dysfunction, researchers continue to investigate different ways to inhibit the binding of interleukin-6. This includes the development of an anti-interleukin-6 receptor antibody.
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