4cni

Structural highlights

Disease

[IL6_HUMAN] Genetic variations in IL6 are associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis systemic juvenile (RASJ) [MIM:604302]. An inflammatory articular disorder with systemic-onset beginning before the age of 16. It represents a subgroup of juvenile arthritis associated with severe extraarticular features and occasionally fatal complications. During active phases of the disorder, patients display a typical daily spiking fever, an evanescent macular rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, serositis, myalgia and arthritis. Note=A IL6 promoter polymorphism is associated with a lifetime risk of development of Kaposi sarcoma in HIV-infected men.

Function

[IL6_HUMAN] Cytokine with a wide variety of biological functions. It is a potent inducer of the acute phase response. Plays an essential role in the final differentiation of B-cells into Ig-secreting cells Involved in lymphocyte and monocyte differentiation. It induces myeloma and plasmacytoma growth and induces nerve cells differentiation Acts on B-cells, T-cells, hepatocytes, hematopoietic progenitor cells and cells of the CNS. Also acts as a myokine. It is discharged into the bloodstream after muscle contraction and acts to increase the breakdown of fats and to improve insulin resistance.

See Also

• Interleukin

References

1. ↑ Shaw S, Bourne T, Meier C, Carrington B, Gelinas R, Henry A, Popplewell A, Adams R, Baker T, Rapecki S, Marshall D, Moore A, Neale H, Lawson A. Discovery and characterization of olokizumab: A humanized antibody targeting interleukin-6 and neutralizing gp130-signaling. MAbs. 2014 May 1;6(3):773-81. doi: 10.4161/mabs.28612. Epub 2014 Apr 2. PMID:24670876 doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.4161/mabs.28612