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Interleukin 6

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a protein that belongs to the cytokine family of signaling molecules. It is produced by a variety of cell types, including T cells, B cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts, and plays a critical role in inflammation, immune response, and hematopoiesis (the formation of blood cells). IL-6 binds to specific receptors on the surface of target cells, triggering a series of intracellular signaling events that activate various transcription factors and induce the expression of genes involved in immune and inflammatory responses. IL-6 also regulates the production and activity of other cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interleukin-10 (IL-10). Dysregulated IL-6 signaling has been implicated in various diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple myeloma, and some types of cancer. As a result, drugs that target IL-6 or its receptors are currently used for the treatment of these conditions.

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