Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) plays a pivotal role in hematopoiesis, immune reactions and acute phase responses. It has been demonstrated, however, that the abnormal expression and dysregulation of IL-6 homeostasis are involved in the pathogenesis of a range of diseases. It is the purpose of this article to review briefly some of the biological properties of IL-6 in order to discuss issues related to the safety evaluation of recombinant human IL-6 (rhIL-6). Knowledge of the biological properties is important for, (1) selection of a responsive species for toxicological studies and (2) proper interpretation of the side-effect profile.
MeSH terms
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Acute-Phase Reaction / immunology
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Animals
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Antibody Formation / immunology
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Autoimmune Diseases / chemically induced
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Autoimmune Diseases / immunology
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Bone and Bones / drug effects
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Bone and Bones / metabolism
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
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Gene Expression Regulation / genetics
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Hematopoiesis / immunology
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Humans
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Immune System / cytology
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Immune System / immunology*
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Immune System / metabolism
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Interleukin-6 / genetics
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Interleukin-6 / physiology
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Interleukin-6 / toxicity*
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Recombinant Proteins / genetics
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Recombinant Proteins / immunology
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Recombinant Proteins / toxicity
Substances
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Interleukin-6
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Recombinant Proteins