Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2025

An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice
Published on: June 6, 2025
Systemic effects of IL-6 blockade in rheumatoid arthritis beyond the joints
Matthias Jarlborg1, Cem Gabay2
1Division of Rheumatology, University Hospital of Geneva, and Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland; VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research and Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Abstract:
Interleukin (IL)-6 is produced locally in response to an inflammatory stimulus, and is able to induce systemic manifestations at distance from the site of inflammation. Its unique signaling mechanism, including classical and trans-signaling pathways, leads to a major expansion in the number of cell types responding to IL-6. This pleiotropic cytokine is a key factor in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is involved in many extra-articular manifestations that accompany the disease. Thus, IL-6 blockade is associated with various biological effects beyond the joints. In this review, the systemic effects of IL-6 in RA comorbidities and the consequences of its blockade will be discussed, including anemia of chronic disease, cardiovascular risks, bone and muscle functions, and neuro-psychological manifestations.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Biologic Agents: Anti-TNF
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

