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IL6

IL6 also known as CDF, HSF or IFNB, is an interleukin which functions as both a pro-inflammatory cytokine and an anti-inflammatory myokine. It is encoded by the IL6 gene in humans. This protein is expressed via T cells and macrophages to stimulate an immune response, for example, during infection and after trauma, especially burns or other tissue damage resulting in inflammation.
IL6 also serves an essential role in fighting infection, as it has been displayed in mice to be needed for resistance against bacterium Streptococcus pneumonia.
In general, IL6 is a crucial mediator of fever and of the acute phase response. It is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and initiating synthesis of PGE2 in the hypothalamus, hence changing the body's temperature setpoint. It is also capable of secreting via macrophages in response to specific microbial molecules, named as pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). In addition, IL6 is important for hybridoma growth and is identified in a variety of supplemental cloning media, including briclone. Inhibitors of IL6 are applied to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Gene ID: 3569
UniProt ID: P05231