The Role of IL-6 in Neurodegenerative Disorders

Neurochem Res. 2024 Apr;49(4):834-846. doi: 10.1007/s11064-023-04085-6. Epub 2024 Jan 16.

Abstract

"Neurodegenerative disorder" is an umbrella term for a group of fatal progressive neurological illnesses characterized by neuronal loss and inflammation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a pleiotropic cytokine, significantly affects the activities of nerve cells and plays a pivotal role in neuroinflammation. Furthermore, as high levels of IL-6 have been frequently observed in association with several neurodegenerative disorders, it may potentially be used as a biomarker for the progression and prognosis of these diseases. This review summarizes the production and function of IL-6 as well as its downstream signaling pathways. Moreover, we make a comprehensive review on the roles of IL-6 in neurodegenerative disorders and its potential clinical application.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; Inflammation; Interleukin-6; Neurodegenerative disorders; Parkinson’s disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6* / metabolism
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases* / metabolism
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Interleukin-6