IL-6 family cytokines: Key inflammatory mediators as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

144 Scopus citations

Abstract

IL-6 is a critical cytokine in acute phase response and involved in the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases including cancer. Studies have highlighted that levels of IL-6 and its family members can be useful for diagnosis, prognosis of relapse-free survival and recurrence. IL-6 family cytokines have been identified as cancer biomarkers through screening of inflammatory mediators in different fluids including saliva, serum, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). IL-6 can be modulated by chemopreventive drugs, small molecules, monoclonal antibodies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Unveiling the different sources of IL-6, the interaction between IL-6 and its cellular targets, the IL-6-dependent tumor resistance mechanisms, and the identification of novel regulators of IL-6 are some of the highly complex topics included in this review and their understanding could aid cancer biomarkers and therapy development.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)10-17
Number of pages8
JournalCytokine and Growth Factor Reviews
Volume41
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 2018

Keywords

  • Cancer biomarker
  • Cytokine
  • IL-6
  • IL-6 family
  • Immunoprevention

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'IL-6 family cytokines: Key inflammatory mediators as biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this