Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Polyfunctionality and Heterogeneity in Immune Responses
Published on: March 8, 2024
Insights from Interleukin-6 trans-signaling and implications for the control of cytokine activity
1Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, Christian-Albrechts-University, Olshausenstr. 40, D-24098, Kiel, Germany.
Abstract:
Interleukin-6 is a protein of 184 amino acids and belongs to the four-helical family of cytokines. Interleukin-6 is a major inflammatory mediator and an important target in the treatment of autoimmune diseases. In addition, Interleukin-6 has regenerative and protective functions in many organs such as the liver, the intestine and the central nervous system. Interleukin-6 binds to the Interleukin-6 receptor and this complex associates with the signaling receptor subunit gp130 to initiate intracellular signaling. The Interleukin-6 receptor occurs in membrane-bound and soluble form. Recent work has demonstrated that the house-keeping functions of Interleukin-6 are mediated via the membrane-bound Interleukin-6 receptor whereas the pro-inflammatory activities are brought about via the soluble Interleukin-6 receptor. Here, the biology of the Interleukin-6 receptor and consequences of blockade of Interleukin-6 activity are reviewed. Furthermore, it is speculated that soluble cytokine receptors might play an important role in the biology of other cytokines.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway

