A lot of processes that involve the secretion of proteins occur during cases resulting in inflammation. The body tries in every way to keep the body safe; synthesizing whatever protein is needed for a good immune response to injuries and diseases. The interleukin- 6 is one of those immune proteins synthesized when inflammation occurs. Let’s take look at what this immune protein is all about.

What is Interleukin-6?

Interleukin-6 also known as IL-6 is a pyrogen and immune protein which is responsible for fever in infectious, non-infectious, and autoimmune diseases. It is produced by adipose tissue, activated macrophages, and T-lymphocytes in response to either chronic or acute inflammation.  When a burn, an infection, trauma, or cancer occurs, your immune system responds by causing an inflammation to occur in the affected area as a way of protecting the body and helping it heal. Once inflammation occurs, IL-6 is produced and it goes on to interact with the interleukin-6 receptor alpha to transcribe the gene products which are present in the body as a result of the inflammation.  Discovering the IL-6 levels in your body can be a great way of knowing if you are suffering from an inflammatory disease or injury that has induced an inflammatory response in your body. Learn how IL-6 ELISA tests help  in such cases.

Boster Bio helps us to understand that the interleukin-6 is also associated with so many other chronic conditions such as:

• Systemic Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes mellitus

Functions of Interleukin-6

The functions and forms of IL-6 are dependent on where the pyrogen is secreted. Here are a few of its functions:

• Stimulation of reactions associated with acute phases of injury or infections in the body
• Early differentiation of T-cells.
• The IL-6 is necessary for the development of progenitor cells
• It helps the T-cells and NK (Natural Killer) cells with cell activation and pathogen lysis in their cells.
• It causes fever: The IL-6 causes fever in the body after the production of acute-phase reactants. These reactants are also proteins and are known as serum amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The production of these acute-phase reactants also induces high glucocorticoid levels, activation of coagulation and complement pathways.
• It also helps the B-cells of the body with differentiation, proliferation and formation of plasma cells.
• IL-6 aids the release of antibody in the form of immunoglobulin A (IgA) and Immunoglobulin G (IgG).
• It aids the development of the red blood cells, white blood cells and blood platelets. 
• It helps with the development of Kaposi’s sarcoma and multiple myeloma.
• Despite helping most body cells develop, the IL-6 also aids the activation of osteoporosis and osteoclasts.
• It aids the production of fibrinogen (the clotting factor) therefore aiding the process of clotting.
• IL-6 helps to defend the body against injury and infection for a short time by warning the immune system against an incoming inflammation and the site of propagation.
• Inducing autoimmune pathology through the creation of immunologic balance between the Treg cells and Th-17 cells.

IL-6 Deficiency

IL-6 has its good and bad sides. However, its deficiency can result in terrible diseases. A defective case of IL-6 in the body has major effects on the activation of Immune responses and Immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies. In defective cases of IL-6 regulation, lymphoid malignancies may be produced as a result of a mutant IL-6 gene. Also, overproduction of IL-6 has its effects too.

Role of IL-6 in drug targeting

Due to the fact that IL-6 plays an important role in inflammation, studies have found out that targeting the IL-6 receptor with a drug called Tocilizumab inhibits IL-6 reception. This in turn is therapeutic for various inflammatory disorders such as Castleman’s disease, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Also in cancer cases, Interleukin-6 serves as a modifier for biological responses, therefore, inducing immune responses which aid the patient’s body to respond properly to chemotherapy.

Conclusion

IL-6 production has its advantages and disadvantages but must occur in healthy quantities in the body for the total wellbeing of the body to be achieved. Therefore if you suspect an inflammatory disorder, speak to your doctor because targeting the IL-6 receptors with inhibition drugs might be all you need to reach optimum health.