Back to Search Start Over

Targeting interleukin-6 in inflammatory autoimmune diseases and cancers.

Authors :
Yao X
Huang J
Zhong H
Shen N
Faggioni R
Fung M
Yao Y
Source :
Pharmacology & therapeutics [Pharmacol Ther] 2014 Feb; Vol. 141 (2), pp. 125-39. Date of Electronic Publication: 2013 Sep 27.
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine with significant functions in the regulation of the immune system. As a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-6 plays a pivotal role in host defense against pathogens and acute stress. However, increased or deregulated expression of IL-6 significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of various human diseases. Numerous preclinical and clinical studies have revealed the pathological roles of the IL-6 pathway in inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer. Based on the rich body of studies on biological activities of IL-6 and its pathological roles, therapeutic strategies targeting the IL-6 pathway are in development for cancers, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Several anti-IL-6/IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibodies developed for targeted therapy have demonstrated promising results in both preclinical studies and clinical trials. Tocilizumab, an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, is effective in the treatment of various autoimmune and inflammatory conditions notably rheumatoid arthritis. It is the only IL-6 pathway targeting agent approved by the regulatory agencies for clinical use. Siltuximab, an anti-IL-6 antibody, has been shown to have potential benefits treating various human cancers either as a single agent or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Several other anti-IL-6-based therapies are also under clinical development for various diseases. IL-6 antagonism has been shown to be a potential therapy for these disorders refractory to conventional drugs. New strategies, such as combination of IL-6 blockade with inhibition of other signaling pathways, may further improve IL-6-targeted immunotherapy of human diseases.<br /> (© 2013.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1879-016X
Volume :
141
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Pharmacology & therapeutics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
24076269
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.09.004