Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a central role in host defense due to its wide range of immune and hematopoietic activities. Its role in the immune system is complex, with both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects, and it is crucial in mediating the response to injury or infection (1).

Structure and Function of IL-6

IL-6 is a small protein (around 26kDa) produced by various cell types, including leukocytes (white blood cells), adipocytes (fat cells), and endothelial cells (cells that line the blood vessels). It was first identified as a factor that induces the final maturation of B-cells into antibody-producing cells, a vital part of our humoral immunity (2).

IL-6 signals through a cell-surface type I cytokine receptor complex consisting of the ligand-binding IL-6Rα chain (CD126), and the signal-transducing component gp130 (also called CD130). IL-6 response can be classic signaling or trans-signaling based on the presence or absence of membrane-bound IL-6 receptors, respectively (3).

IL-6 in Immune Response

IL-6 has both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory roles within the immune system. Upon infection or injury, IL-6 is rapidly produced and acts as a pro-inflammatory cytokine, contributing to the host defense mechanisms. It stimulates the production of acute-phase proteins (such as C-reactive protein) in the liver, which aid in the immune response by enhancing phagocytosis and neutralizing pathogens. It also promotes the differentiation of T cells into effector T cells and regulates the balance between regulatory T cells and Th17 cells, both of which are critical for an effective immune response (4).

Additionally, IL-6 possesses anti-inflammatory properties, primarily through its role in stimulating the production of IL-1ra and IL-10, which are potent anti-inflammatory cytokines. It also inhibits the production of TNF-alpha and IL-1, both of which are pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, IL-6 can limit the inflammatory response and prevent damage to the host (5).

IL-6 is a crucial component of the immune system, with its ability to modulate both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. Understanding its function and regulation offers vital insights into the immune response, providing potential targets for therapeutic interventions in a wide array of diseases.

References

Tanaka, T., Narazaki, M., & Kishimoto, T. (2014). IL-6 in inflammation, immunity, and disease. Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in biology, 6(10), a016295.
Kishimoto, T. (1989). The biology of interleukin-6. Blood, 74(1), 1-10.
Scheller, J., Chalaris, A., Schmidt-Arras, D., & Rose-John, S. (2011). The pro- and anti-inflammatory properties of the cytokine interleukin-6. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular Cell Research, 1813(5), 878-888.
Jones, S.A., & Jenkins, B.J. (2018). Recent insights into targeting the IL-6 cytokine family in inflammatory diseases and cancer. Nature Reviews Immunology, 18(12), 773-789.
Scheller, J., Garbers, C., & Rose-John, S. (2014). Interleukin-6: From basic biology to selective blockade of pro-inflammatory activities. Seminars in immunology, 26(1), 2-12.
Hunter, C.A., & Jones, S.A. (2015). IL-6 as a keystone cytokine in health and disease. Nature immunology, 16(5), 448-457.

If you have any questions about the Berkeley Formula Diindolylmethane (DIM) Supplement & Immune System Booster, please feel free to contact our customer service department at 877-777-0719 (9AM-5PM M-F PST) and our representatives will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. We will be glad to share with you why the Berkeley Formula is the DIM supplement of choice by nutritional scientists, medical professionals and biomedical investigators worldwide.