Interleukin-6 in renal disease and therapy

Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2015 Apr;30(4):564-74. doi: 10.1093/ndt/gfu233. Epub 2014 Jul 10.

Abstract

Interleukin (IL)-6 has become a major target for clinical intervention in various autoimmune conditions. Here, drugs including the humanized anti-IL-6 receptor (IL-6R) antibody tocilizumab emphasize the clinical importance of IL-6 in driving disease and poor patient outcomes. During the course of this review, we will outline the biology surrounding IL-6 and discuss the impact of IL-6 in renal disease and the clinical complications associated with renal replacement therapies and transplantation. We will also consider the merit of IL-6 measurement as a prognostic indicator and provide a clinical perspective on IL-6-blocking therapies in renal disease.

Keywords: cytokines; interleukin-6; renal disease; therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Kidney Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Kidney Diseases / metabolism
  • Kidney Diseases / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6 / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • IL6 protein, human
  • Interleukin-6
  • Receptors, Interleukin-6