Molecular and cellular biology of interleukin-6 and its receptor

Abstract

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a member of the family of cytokines collectively termed "the interleukin-6 type cytokines." Among its many functions, IL-6 plays an active role in immunology, bone metabolism, reproduction, arthritis, neoplasia, and aging. IL-6 expression is regulated by a variety of factors, including steroidal hormones, at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. IL-6 achieves its effects through the ligand-specific IL-6 receptor (IL-6R). Unlike most other cytokine receptors, the IL-6R is active in both membrane bound and soluble forms. Defining mechanisms to control IL-6 or IL-6R expression may prove useful for therapy of the many clinical disorders in IL-6 plays a role.

Growth control of human biliary epithelial cells by interleukin 6, hepatocyte growth factor, transforming growth factor β1, and activin a: Comparison of a cholangiocarcinoma cell line with primary cultures of non-neoplastic biliary epithelial cells

“…Both p53 and retinoblastoma (Rb) constructs have binding sites on an IL-6 repressor element. [28][29][30][31] p53 gene mutations have been detected in roughly 5% to 35% of CCs and gallbladder cancers, [32][33][34] whereas retinoblastoma gene mutations have not been systematically studied in CC.…”

The antiapoptotic effect of IL-6 autocrine loop in a cellular model of advanced prostate cancer is mediated by Mcl-1

“…It is implicated in the development and progression of several types of tumors including that of prostate (Keller et al, 1996;Trikha et al, 2003). After initial studies revealed increased IL-6 levels in sera from patients with therapy-resistant metastatic disease in the absence of infection (Twillie et al, 1995), IL-6 role in tumor progression became a subject of in vitro and in vivo investigations.…”

Survival pathways in hypertrophy and heart failure: The gp130-STAT3 axis

“…The IL-6-type cytokines, comprising IL-6, Interleukin-11 (IL-11), LIF, oncostatin M (OSM), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), CT-1 and cardiotrophin-like cytokine (CLC) are a family of helix bundle cytokines with pleiotropic effects in the organism [47,48,72]. Generally, they are involved in inflammatory and immunologic processes as well as in hematopoiesis, liver and neuronal regeneration, embryonic development and cardiovascular physiology.…”

“…Generally, they are involved in inflammatory and immunologic processes as well as in hematopoiesis, liver and neuronal regeneration, embryonic development and cardiovascular physiology. Through activation of target genes involved in growth,differentiation,survival,apoptosis, and proliferation IL-6 type cytokines play a key role in cellular and tissue homeostasis [13,72].…”