IL6（白細胞介素-6）是一種由多種細胞分泌的蛋白質，參與調節免疫、發炎反應和代謝等生理過程。近年來的研究發現，IL6除了作為免疫炎癥標志物外，還參與調節體重、代謝疾病、神經系統等多種疾病的發生發展。例如，有研究發現IL6在肥胖、糖尿病、帕金森病、阿爾茨海默病等疾病的發生中發揮了重要作用。此外，IL6還可以作為一種治療性藥物，被用于治療某些炎癥性疾病和腫瘤。

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. 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.; 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. 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.; 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. Induces, through 'trans-signaling' and synergistically with IL1B and TNF, the production of VEGF. Involved in metabolic controls, is discharged into the bloodstream after muscle contraction increasing lipolysis and improving insulin resistance. 'Trans-signaling' in central nervous system also regulates energy and glucose homeostasis. Mediates, through GLP-1, crosstalk between insulin-sensitive tissues, intestinal L cells and pancreatic islets to adapt to changes in insulin demand. Also acts as a myokine. Plays a protective role during liver injury, being required for maintenance of tissue regeneration. Also has a pivotal role in iron metabolism by regulating HAMP/hepcidin expression upon inflammation or bacterial infection. Through activation of IL6ST-YAP-NOTCH pathway, induces inflammation-induced epithelial regeneration.

1. Mild heat shock increased the production of inflammatory cytokines, IL-1beta and IL-6 in rabbit cornea cells. PMID: 23330884

Secreted.

IL-6 superfamily

KEGG: ocu:100008733

STRING: 9986.ENSOCUP00000017266

UniGene: Ocu.2447