IL6 is a protein of 185 amino acids glycosylated at positions 73 and 172. This interleukin acts as both pro and anti-inflammatory cytokine. It is secreted by T cells and macrophages to stimulate immune response to trauma, especially burns or other tissue damage. It is secreted by macrophages, TH2-cells and B cells, targeting activated B cells, plasma cells, hematopoietic stem cells and T cells.
IL- 6 influences differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells and induces acute phase reactions, hematopoiesis, inflammation etc.
It is capable of inducing the final maturation of B-cells into immunoglobulin-secreting plasma cells, if the cells have been pre-activated by IL4. It stimulates the secretion of antibodies to such a degree that serum IgGl levels can raise 120 – 400 folds.
IL-6 is also a “myokine” (cytokine produced from muscle), and is elevated in response to muscle contraction. Smooth muscle cells in the tunica media of many blood vessels also produce IL-6 as a pro-inflammatory cytokine.
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IL-6 is one of the most important mediators of fever and of the acute phase response.