The cytokine interleukin (IL)−6 performs a diverse portfolio of functions in normal physiology and disease. These functions extend beyond the typical role for an inflammatory cytokine, and IL-6 often displays hormone-like properties that affect metabolic processes associated with lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and the neuroendocrine system. Consequently, the biology of IL-6 is complex. Recent advances in the field have led to novel interpretations of how IL-6 delivers immune homeostasis in health and yet drives disease pathology during infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Various biological drugs that target IL-6 are in clinical practice or emerging in clinical trials and pre-clinical development programmes. The challenge is knowing how and when to apply these therapies. In this review, we will explore the biology behind IL-6 directed therapies and identify some key hurdles for future investigation.

中文翻译：

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白介素6：疗法背后的生物学

细胞因子白介素（IL）-6在正常生理和疾病中执行多种功能。这些功能超出了炎症性细胞因子的典型作用，而且IL-6经常表现出类似激素的特性，从而影响与脂质代谢，胰岛素抵抗和神经内分泌系统有关的代谢过程。因此，IL-6的生物学是复杂的。该领域的最新进展导致人们对IL-6如何在健康中实现免疫稳态以及如何在感染，自身免疫和癌症过程中推动疾病病理学做出了新的解释。靶向IL-6的各种生物药物正在临床实践中或正在临床试验和临床前开发计划中出现。挑战在于知道如何以及何时应用这些疗法。在这篇评论中