Impact of interleukin-6 in hematological malignancies

R Burger - Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy, 2013 - karger.com
R Burger
Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy, 2013karger.com
Almost 3 decades have passed since the discovery and cloning of IL-6, and a tremendous
amount of work has contributed to the current knowledge of the biological functions of this
cytokine, its receptor, and the signaling pathways that are activated. The understanding of
the role of IL-6 in human disease has led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies
that block the biological functions of IL-6. In clinical studies, IL-6 and IL-6 receptor antibodies
have proven efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and …
Abstract
Almost 3 decades have passed since the discovery and cloning of IL-6, and a tremendous amount of work has contributed to the current knowledge of the biological functions of this cytokine, its receptor, and the signaling pathways that are activated. The understanding of the role of IL-6 in human disease has led to the development of novel therapeutic strategies that block the biological functions of IL-6. In clinical studies, IL-6 and IL-6 receptor antibodies have proven efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and Castleman's disease, conditions that are known to be driven by IL-6. The focus of this overview is the role of IL-6 in the pathophysiology of hematological malignancies.
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