Interleukin-6 in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis

Abstract

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine that acts in the development of B-lymphocytes; the proliferation of megakaryocytes, mesangial cells, and keratinocytes; and the production of acute-phase proteins such as C-reactive protein (CRP). Many reports suggest that IL-6 plays a partial role in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Here, I describe its functions, signal transduction pathways, and involvement in SSc and then introduce an anti-IL-6 therapy for SSc using an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, tocilizumab. To evaluate the effect of such an anti-cytokine therapy, a large-scale study is needed. And a worldwide-scale study may require a new evaluation method to suppress interinstitute variability.