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.
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.
Authors: Sabrina N Dumas; Chang-An Guo; Jason K Kim; Randall H Friedline; James M Ntambi Journal: Biochem Biophys Res Commun Date: 2018-11-22 Impact factor: 3.575
Authors: Eric Bradford; Sean Jacobson; Jason Varasteh; Alejandro P Comellas; Prescott Woodruff; Wanda O'Neal; Dawn L DeMeo; Xingnan Li; Victor Kim; Michael Cho; Peter J Castaldi; Craig Hersh; Edwin K Silverman; James D Crapo; Katerina Kechris; Russell P Bowler Journal: Respir Res Date: 2017-10-24
Authors: Laura A Ridgley; Amy E Anderson; Nicola J Maney; Najib Naamane; Andrew J Skelton; Catherine A Lawson; Paul Emery; John D Isaacs; Ruaidhrí J Carmody; Arthur G Pratt Journal: Front Immunol Date: 2019-07-03 Impact factor: 7.561