Interleukin-6, otherwise known as IL-6, is a cytokine that plays a key role in the inflammatory response of the body. It is produced by various cells including T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, and fibroblasts. IL-6 has both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties and is involved in a wide range of physiological processes including the regulation of the immune response, hematopoiesis, and the acute-phase response.
IL-6 inhibitors, as the name suggests, are compounds that are designed to inhibit the function of IL-6. They work by binding to either IL-6 or the IL-6 receptor, thereby preventing their interaction and subsequent signaling. There are currently several IL-6 inhibitors that have been developed and approved for clinical use, including tocilizumab and sarilumab.
One of the primary reasons why IL-6 inhibitors are gaining so much attention is their potential utility in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. For example, tocilizumab has been approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and cytokine release syndrome. Sarilumab has also been approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
IL-6 inhibitors are also being investigated for their potential utility in the treatment of COVID-19. Studies have shown that the levels of IL-6 are elevated in severe cases of COVID-19, and this may contribute to the cytokine storm that is often seen in such cases. It is thought that IL-6 inhibitors may be able to prevent or reduce this cytokine storm, thereby improving outcomes for patients.
Despite the potential utility of IL-6 inhibitors in the treatment of various diseases, there are still some challenges associated with their use. For example, they may increase the risk of infections and can also lead to adverse events such as hypersensitivity reactions. It is therefore important to carefully evaluate the risks and benefits of using IL-6 inhibitors in individual patients.