IL-6

B-cell growth factor

Expression
Elevated
Evidence level
strong
Targeted by
Tocilizumab

Role in pathogenesis

IL-6 promotes B-cell differentiation and IgM secretion. Consistently elevated, but IL-6 blockade (tocilizumab) gives only temporary benefit.

Targeting drugs (1)

DrugMechanismResponseLine
TocilizumabAnti–IL-6 receptorInitial response, loss of efficacyAlternative

Sources (2)

DetailsRegnault V et al. (2019) PBMC studies: spontaneous IL-1β release · Scand J Rheumatol
Detailsde Koning HD (2014) Comprehensive review (281 cases) · Clin Transl AllergyDOI ↗