The soluble interleukin-6 receptor and related proteins.

Interleukin-6 is a cytokine involved in the regulation of the immune system and the central nervous system. Interleukin-6 binds to an interleukin-6 receptor, and then associates with a dimer of the ubiquitously expressed gp130 receptor subunit, which initiates intracellular signaling. The interleukin-6 receptor is found in a soluble form, which is generated by proteolytic cleavage and also to a minor extent by translation from an alternatively spliced mRNA. The complex of interleukin-6 bound to the interleukin-6 receptor can stimulate cells, which only express gp130. Such cells are not responsive to interleukin-6 alone. We have for the first time identified the molecular basis of pro-and anti-inflammatory properties of interleukin-6 and we have defined the generation of the soluble IL-6R as a crucial point in the regulation between these two properties. Furthermore, we have deduced a therapeutic principle, which enables us to exclusively block the pro-inflammatory activities of this important cytokine. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Citation

Stefan Rose-John. The soluble interleukin-6 receptor and related proteins. Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism. 2015 Oct;29(5):787-97

PMID: 26522462

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