IL-6
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Cytokines
Summary
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine primarily produced by macrophages. IL-6 plays a major role in acute inflammation. IL-6 also acts indirectly on the hypothalamus to cause fever. The inflammatory effects of IL-6 are involved in the pathogenesis of Giant Cell Arteritis.
Key Points
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6)
- Secreted by Macrophages
- Actions
- Causes fever
- Via production of PGE2, which acts on hypothalamic nuclei
- Promotes inflammation
- Promotes vasodilation and increased capillary permeability
- Activates endothelium to enhance leukocyte attachment and migration
- Involved in pathogenesis of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
- Tociilizumab is a monoclonal antibody against IL-6 effective in treating GCA
- Causes fever