IL-6 (NON-HUMAN PRIMATE)

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is an alpha-helical cytokine with a wide variety of biological functions, including inducement of acute phase reactions, inflammation, hematopoiesis, bone metabolism, and cancer progression. It is secreted by multiple cell types as a 22k-28k dalton phosphorylated and variably glycosylated molecule. Mature mouse IL-6 shares 41% aa sequence identity with human and rat IL-6. IL-6 is secreted by T cells and macrophages to induce immune responses following tissue trauma leading to inflammation. IL-6 also acts as an anti-inflammatory myokine, secreted by muscles during contraction after which it acts to increase breakdown of fats and improve insulin resistance.3 Because of its role in inducing inflammation and autoimmune response, there is interest in developing anti-IL-6 agents as potential therapies against various diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.