The Interleukin-6 Family in Disease Pathogenesis and Therapy

Dear Colleagues,

The IL-6 family is a group of closely related pleiotropic cytokines produced by a variety of cells in response to inflammatory stimuli. They are related in structure and function and include IL-6, IL-11, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), Oncostatin M (OSM), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), cardiotrophin 1 (CT-1), cardiotrophin like cytokine (CLC), IL-27, IL-31, and neuropoietin. The actions of these cytokines are mediated through specific cell surface receptors and the shared signal transducing subunit, gp130. Subsequent signalling is mediated through a tight reciprocal regulation of either ERK-MAPK or JAK-STAT pathways, critical for the generation of physiological responses to IL6-family cytokines. Conversely, disturbance of this finely orchestrated signalling, leads to pathological responses. The IL-6 family stimulates the inflammatory and autoimmune processes in many diseases. Hence, there is a strong interest in developing agents against these molecules or their signalling pathways to treat disease. Articles (original and reviews) are being sought for a Special Issue highlighting the importance of the IL-6 family of cytokines in both health and disease and novel approaches to modulate their function.

Prof. Steven E. Mutsaers
Prof. Cecilia M. Prêle
Guest Editors

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