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Updated: May 6, 2026

Adoptive Immunotherapy of iNKT Cells in Glucose-6-Phosphate Isomerase G6PI-Induced RA Mice
Published on: January 31, 2020
[Interleukin-6 inhibition as a potential therapeutic target in rheumatic diseases]
C Iking-Konert1, P Bartz-Bazzanella2, D Falagan3
1III. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf , Martinistr. 52 , 20246, Hamburg, Deutschland. c.iking-konert@uke.de.
Abstract:
As a pro-inflammatory cytokine, the 21-kDa glycoprotein interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a crucial role in the initiation of acute inflammation, as well in the perpetuation of a chronic inflammatory immune response. Thus, IL-6 might be involved in the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases. So far, the IL-6-rezeptor-antibody tocilizumab (TCZ, RoActemtra®) is the only approved drug for the treatment of IL-6-mediated disease, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic juvenile idiopathic (sJIA) and polyarticular juvenile arthritis (pJiA), as well as Castleman's disease (in Japan only). In recent years, an emerging number of case reports and small uncontrolled case series have reported on the successful treatment of various other chronic inflammatory diseases, which has resulted in the idea of a broad therapeutic potential for IL-6 blockade. Numerous IL-6 targets are currently in phase II/III study programs for RA as well as for other indications. This review focuses on the development of tocilizumab and other IL-6 targets as a therapeutic option for various diseases in rheumatology.
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