role of IL-6 in multiple myeloma

Introduction

Role of IL-6:

• IL-6 is essential for survival & proliferation of myeloma cells which express receptors IL-6 receptors
• IL-6 prevents spontaneous & dexamethasone-induced apoptosis of myeloma cells
• serum IL-6 is increased in patients with myeloma, thought to be produced largely by stromal & bone cells within the marrow
• myeloma cells shed the soluble form of the IL-6 receptor alpha which can apparently amplify response of myeloma cells to IL-6
• soluble IL-6 receptor alpha is present in serum of patients with myeloma, especially increased in patients with poor prognosis
• IL-6, soluble IL-6 receptor alpha & IL-1 beta activate osteoclasts & thus provoke bone reabsorption in myeloma

Additional terms

• interleukin-6; IL-6; B-cell stimulatory factor 2; BSF-2; CTL differentiation factor; CDF; hybridoma growth factor; interferon beta-2; IFN-beta-2 (IL6, IFNB2)
• multiple myeloma; plasmacytoma/plasma cell myeloma