IL-6 R alpha & IL-6

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is also known as HGF, BSF2, HSF and IFNB2, originally identified as a B cell differentiation factor, is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates immune responses, hematopoiesis, acute phase responses, and inflammatory reactions.It is secreted by T cells, macrophages , monocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, et.al. to stimulate immune response to trauma, especially burns or other tissue damage leading to inflammation. Interleukin 6 has been shown to interact with interleukin-6 receptor and glycoprotein. IL-6 is relevant to many disease processes such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, depression, Alzheimer's Disease, systemic, lupus erythematosus, prostate cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. Advanced/metastatic cancer patients have higher levels of IL-6 in their blood. Hence there is an interest in developing anti-IL-6 agents as therapy against many of these diseases.