IL6

Gene Name

IL6

Summary

IL6, also known as interleukin 6, is a 24kDa cytokine that plays a pivotal role in immune responses, inflammation, and haematopoiesis. It is secreted and primarily expressed in the extracellular region, including the endoplasmic reticulum lumen and extracellular space. IL6 binds to its receptor, forming a complex that activates downstream signalling pathways such as JAK-STAT. This cytokine is involved in various biological processes including the acute-phase response, cellular responses to pathogens, and the regulation of immune cell functions, particularly in monocytes and B cells.

Importance

IL6 is relevant to: - Inflammatory diseases, as it is a major mediator of the inflammatory response and is often elevated in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. - Cancer research, due to its role in tumour progression and the promotion of a pro-inflammatory microenvironment. - Metabolic disorders, given its influence on glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion. - Neuroinflammation, where it contributes to the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier and the response to neurodegenerative diseases.

Top Products

For researchers investigating IL6, we recommend two excellent primary antibodies that cater to a variety of applications. The first is the well-cited polyclonal antibody, Anti-IL-6 antibody (ab6672), which has garnered 685 citations, highlighting its reliability in Western blotting (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Additionally, we offer the recombinant antibody, Anti-IL-6 antibody [EPR21711] (ab233706), which has been validated in knockout models and is suitable for a broader range of applications, including WB, immunocytochemistry (ICC), flow cytometry (FC), and immunoprecipitation (IP). With 121 citations, this recombinant antibody is an excellent choice for researchers seeking consistency and versatility in their IL6 studies. The Recombinant human IL-6 protein (Active) ELISA Kit (ab259381), supported by 7 citations, is an excellent option for researchers looking to accurately measure IL-6 levels in their experiments.

Abcam Product Citation Summary

The data indicates a significant focus on IL6 in various biological contexts, particularly in human and animal models related to inflammation, cancer, and immune responses. The use of multiple Abcam antibodies across different species highlights the importance of IL6 in both health and disease, with applications in ELISA and Western blotting being predominant.

Abcam Product Citation Table

Function

Cytokine with a wide variety of biological functions in immunity, tissue regeneration, and metabolism. Binds to IL6R, then the complex associates to the signaling subunit IL6ST/gp130 to trigger the intracellular IL6-signaling pathway (Probable). The interaction with the membrane-bound IL6R and IL6ST stimulates 'classic signaling', whereas the binding of IL6 and soluble IL6R to IL6ST stimulates 'trans-signaling'. Alternatively, 'cluster signaling' occurs when membrane-bound IL6:IL6R complexes on transmitter cells activate IL6ST receptors on neighboring receiver cells (Probable).

IL6 is a potent inducer of the acute phase response. Rapid production of IL6 contributes to host defense during infection and tissue injury, but excessive IL6 synthesis is involved in disease pathology. In the innate immune response, is synthesized by myeloid cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells, upon recognition of pathogens through toll-like receptors (TLRs) at the site of infection or tissue injury (Probable). In the adaptive immune response, is required for the differentiation of B cells into immunoglobulin-secreting cells. Plays a major role in the differentiation of CD4(+) T cell subsets. Essential factor for the development of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells that are required for the induction of germinal-center formation. Required to drive naive CD4(+) T cells to the Th17 lineage. Also required for proliferation of myeloma cells and the survival of plasmablast cells (By similarity).

Acts as an essential factor in bone homeostasis and on vessels directly or indirectly by induction of VEGF, resulting in increased angiogenesis activity and vascular permeability (PubMed:12794819, PubMed:17075861). Induces, through 'trans-signaling' and synergistically with IL1B and TNF, the production of VEGF (PubMed:12794819). Involved in metabolic controls, is discharged into the bloodstream after muscle contraction increasing lipolysis and improving insulin resistance (PubMed:20823453). 'Trans-signaling' in central nervous system also regulates energy and glucose homeostasis (By similarity). Mediates, through GLP-1, crosstalk between insulin-sensitive tissues, intestinal L cells and pancreatic islets to adapt to changes in insulin demand (By similarity). Also acts as a myokine (Probable). Plays a protective role during liver injury, being required for maintenance of tissue regeneration (By similarity). Also has a pivotal role in iron metabolism by regulating HAMP/hepcidin expression upon inflammation or bacterial infection (PubMed:15124018). Through activation of IL6ST-YAP-NOTCH pathway, induces inflammation-induced epithelial regeneration (By similarity).

Involvement in disease

Rheumatoid arthritis systemic juvenile

RASJ

An inflammatory articular disorder with systemic onset beginning before the age of 16. It represents a subgroup of juvenile arthritis associated with severe extraarticular features and occasionally fatal complications. During active phases of the disorder, patients display a typical daily spiking fever, an evanescent macular rash, lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, serositis, myalgia and arthritis.

None

Disease susceptibility is associated with variants affecting the gene represented in this entry.

A IL6 promoter polymorphism is associated with a lifetime risk of development of Kaposi sarcoma in HIV-infected men.

Post-translational modifications

N- and O-glycosylated.

Sequence Similarities

Belongs to the IL-6 superfamily.

Tissue Specificity

Produced by skeletal muscle.

Cellular localization

• Secreted

Alternative names

IFNB2, IL6, Interleukin-6, IL-6, B-cell stimulatory factor 2, CTL differentiation factor, Hybridoma growth factor, Interferon beta-2, BSF-2, CDF, IFN-beta-2

Database links

swissprot:P05231 omim:147620 entrezGene:3569

Other research areas

• Cardiovascular
• Immuno-oncology
• Neuroscience