The Biological Effects of Interleukin-6 and Their Clinical Applications in Autoimmune Diseases and Cancers
Journal Title: Rheumatica Acta: Open Access - Year 2017, Vol 1, Issue 1
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is one of the pro-inflammatory cytokines involved in pathogenesis of various autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. IL-6 through binding to its cellular receptor can transduce both classical- and trans-signaling pathways. Overproduction of circulating IL-6 can be detected in patients with different autoimmune diseases. Tocilizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against IL-6 receptor, can block IL-6-mediated signaling and has been approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and Castleman’s disease. Besides, expression of IL-6 may promote tumorigenesis and has been detected in various tumors, including multiple myeloma, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma, breast cancer and lung cancer. Furthermore, increased levels of circulating IL-6 are associated with poor prognosis and cachexia in cancer patients. Monotherapy with IL-6 blockade or a combination therapy with both IL-6 blockade and conventional chemotherapy may reduce the progression of cancer and improve the status of cachexia in cancer patients.
Authors and Affiliations
Yang Deng-Ho
Keywords
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- EP ID EP543035
- DOI 10.17352/raoa.000003
- Views 50
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