interleukin-6
Last reviewed 01/2018
Interleukin-6 is a protein cytokine involved in inflammatory and immune responses. It is produced by:
- mononuclear phagocytes
- fibroblasts
- keratinocytes
- endothelial cells
It is produced when the given cell encounters endotoxin. It is regulated by interleukin-1 and tumour necrosis factor.
Its effects include:
- B-lymphocyte differentiation and immunoglobulin production
- synthesis of acute phase proteins
- pyrogen via its central action on prostaglandins
- increases IL-2 and IL-2 receptor expression
- inhibits the formation of TNF