IL-6 signaling pathway in keloids: A target for pharmacologic intervention?

Abstract

Keloids are cosmetically devastating lesions with considerable morbidity. Ghazizadeh et al. document enhanced expression of IL-6 and its receptors in keloid fibroblasts, with a concomitant increase in collagen biosynthesis. Anti-IL-6 antibodies or blocking the IL-6 receptors elicits reduced collagen synthesis, suggesting a role for IL-6 in the regulation of collagen gene expression. These observations imply the feasibility of a pharmacologic platform, based on the targeting of the IL-6 signaling pathway, in keloids. © 2007 The Society for Investigative Dermatology.