IL (interleukin)-6, which was originally identified as a B-cell differentiation factor, is a multifunctional cytokine that regulates the immune response, haemopoiesis, the acute phase response and inflammation. IL-6 is produced by various types of cell and influences various cell types, and has multiple biological activities through its unique receptor system. IL-6 exerts its biological activities through two molecules: IL-6R (IL-6 receptor) and gp130. When IL-6 binds to mIL-6R (membrane-bound form of IL-6R), homodimerization of gp130 is induced and a high-affinity functional receptor complex of IL-6, IL-6R and gp130 is formed. Interestingly, sIL-6R (soluble form of IL-6R) also binds with IL-6, and the IL-6–sIL-6R complex can then form a complex with gp130. The homodimerization of receptor complex activates JAKs (Janus kinases) that then phosphorylate tyrosine residues in the cytoplasmic domain of gp130. The gp130-mediated JAK activation by IL-6 triggers two main signalling pathways: the gp130 Tyr759-derived SHP-2 (Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2)/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway and the gp130 YXXQ-mediated JAK/STAT (signal transducer and activator of transcription) pathway. Increased IL-6 levels are observed in several human inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Castleman's disease and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. IL-6 is also critically involved in experimentally induced autoimmune diseases. All clinical findings and animal models suggest that IL-6 plays a number of critical roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In the present review, we first summarize the IL-6/IL-6R system and IL-6 signal transduction, and then go on to discuss the physiological and pathological roles of IL-6.
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Review Article|
October 14 2011
IL-6/IL-6 receptor system and its role in physiological and pathological conditions
Masahiko Mihara
;
1Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Gotemba, 412-8513, Japan
Correspondence: Dr Masahiko Mihara (email miharamsh@chugai-pharm.co.jp).
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Misato Hashizume
;
Misato Hashizume
1Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Gotemba, 412-8513, Japan
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Hiroto Yoshida
;
Hiroto Yoshida
1Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Gotemba, 412-8513, Japan
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Miho Suzuki
;
Miho Suzuki
1Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Gotemba, 412-8513, Japan
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Masashi Shiina
Masashi Shiina
1Fuji-Gotemba Research Laboratories, Product Research Department, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Gotemba, 412-8513, Japan
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Clin Sci (Lond) (2012) 122 (4): 143–159.
Article history
Received:
June 28 2011
Revision Received:
August 15 2011
Accepted:
September 01 2011
Citation
Masahiko Mihara, Misato Hashizume, Hiroto Yoshida, Miho Suzuki, Masashi Shiina; IL-6/IL-6 receptor system and its role in physiological and pathological conditions. Clin Sci (Lond) 1 February 2012; 122 (4): 143–159. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20110340
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