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Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
Interleukin-6 supports regulated host-defense responses, while persistent dysregulated production can contribute to disease in different biological settings.
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Interleukin-6, or IL-6, is a cytokine that carries signals between cells in immune and tissue-response pathways. Its production is induced after infections, injuries, and other forms of tissue damage, and it contributes to host defense by stimulating acute-phase responses and hematopoiesis .1
IL-6 is pleiotropic, meaning that the same cytokine can produce different effects in different cell types and settings. Transient IL-6 production normally subsides as tissue homeostasis is restored, whereas dysregulated continual production has been implicated in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases and some cancers .1
IL-6 should therefore not be described simply as a harmful inflammatory molecule. Its biological meaning depends on the context and duration of production: regulated, temporary signaling can participate in normal host defense, while persistent dysregulation can contribute to disease processes .1
References
- Tanaka T, Kishimoto T The biology and medical implications of interleukin-6. Cancer immunology research. 2014. About this source DOI
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