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Interleukin-6
Pronunciation
Definition 1
One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. Interleukin-6 is made mainly by some T lymphocytes. It causes B lymphocytes to make more antibodies and also causes fever by affecting areas of the brain that control body temperature. Interleukin-6 made in the laboratory is used as a biological response modifier to boost the immune system in cancer therapy. Interleukin-6 is a type of cytokine. Also called IL-6. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a glycoprotein produced by activated T-cells and a variety of other cells, induces the production of IgM by B-cells and can be used to replace feeder cells for the growth and maintenance of B-cell hybridomas in vitro. (NCI Thesaurus)
Definition 3
Produced by T-cells, monocytes, fibroblasts, and many other cells, Interleukin 6 stimulates the growth of hybridomas and plasmacytomas, as well as the growth and differentiation of B-cells. Il6 increases synthesis and secretion of immunoglobulins by B-lymphocytes. The biologic significance of IL6 lies in the fact that it is induced under conditions in which IFN-beta 1 is not induced, as in metabolically stressed cells. Its induction by IL1 and TNF suggests that it may play a role as an autocrine mediator of these cytokines in inflammation and acute phase responses, as well as regulate cell proliferation. In addition to its antiviral activity, IL6 elicits an acute phase response in liver cells and is identical to hepatocyte stimulatory factor. (from OMIM 147620 and NCI) (NCI Thesaurus)
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