Liu, Xiang, Jones, Gareth W., Choy, Ernest H. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4459-8609 and Jones, Simon A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7297-9711 2016. The biology behind interleukin-6 targeted interventions. Current Opinion in Rheumatology 28 (2) , pp. 152-160. 10.1097/BOR.0000000000000255 |
Abstract
Purpose of review: Biological drugs that target the inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6) are increasingly considered as therapies for chronic disease and cancer. The purpose of this review is to place the biology of IL-6 in context. Here, we provide information on the biology behind IL-6 and consider mechanisms that are relevant to the application of IL-6 targeted therapies. Recent findings: The clinical blockade of IL-6 activity with tocilizumab has fuelled considerable interest in the biology behind this inflammatory cytokine. Although IL-6 impacts both innate and adaptive immunity, and the control of tissue homeostasis, the signalling mechanisms that control IL-6 responsiveness are complex. Several alternative IL-6-directed interventions with unique modes of action are now approaching the clinic. However, various questions still remain about how and when to block IL-6. Owing to the complexity of IL-6 biology, this is not trivial. In this review, we introduce the immunobiology of IL-6 and explore the different therapeutic strategies in development that inhibit IL-6 activity. Summary: Various inhibitors of IL-6 bioactivity are now in development of routine clinical practice. The key is to understand how best to apply these drugs. This review provides useful insight into the workings of IL-6 in health and disease.
Item Type: | Article |
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Date Type: | Publication |
Status: | Published |
Schools: | Medicine |
Subjects: | R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine R Medicine > RB Pathology |
Publisher: | Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins |
ISSN: | 1040-8711 |
Funders: | Arthritis Research UK |
Date of First Compliant Deposit: | 11 July 2017 |
Last Modified: | 02 Nov 2022 11:31 |
URI: | https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/102271 |
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