PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Jones, Simon A
AU  - Takeuchi, Tsutomu
AU  - Aletaha, Daniel
AU  - Smolen, Josef
AU  - Choy, Ernest H
AU  - McInnes, Iain
TI  - Interleukin 6: The biology behind the therapy
AID  - 10.1136/conmed-2018-000005
DP  - 2018 Nov 01
TA  - Considerations in Medicine
PG  - 2--6
VI  - 2
IP  - 1
4099  - http://considerations.bmj.com/content/2/1/2.short
4100  - http://considerations.bmj.com/content/2/1/2.full
SO  - Considerations Med2018 Nov 01; 2
AB  - The cytokine interleukin (IL)−6 performs a diverse portfolio of functions in normal physiology and disease. These functions extend beyond the typical role for an inflammatory cytokine, and IL-6 often displays hormone-like properties that affect metabolic processes associated with lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and the neuroendocrine system. Consequently, the biology of IL-6 is complex. Recent advances in the field have led to novel interpretations of how IL-6 delivers immune homeostasis in health and yet drives disease pathology during infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Various biological drugs that target IL-6 are in clinical practice or emerging in clinical trials and pre-clinical development programmes. The challenge is knowing how and when to apply these therapies. In this review, we will explore the biology behind IL-6 directed therapies and identify some key hurdles for future investigation.