Interleukin-6 classic and trans-signaling in human monocytes - molecular mechanisms and functional consequences

Aim:
To evaluate interleukin-6 (IL-6) classical and trans-signaling -6 in primary human monocytes, and to evaluate underlying molecular mechanisms and functional consequences.

Background:
IL-6 is a multifunctional cytokine that plays a central role in inflammation by controlling differentiation, proliferation, migration, apoptosis, secretion etc., and has been implicated in the pathology of a number of inflammatory diseases. IL-6 act via its membrane bound receptor IL6R (classic signaling) but can also act via a soluble form of this receptor (trans-signaling), and thereby affect cells that lack the IL6R. Despite being a critical component in inflammatory responses, little is known about cellular responses induced by IL-6 classical and trans-signaling in monocytes.

Expected outcome:
The project is expected to generate data that shed light on the dualistic effects of IL-6 during inflammation. IL6 as well as IL6 induced pathways are currently evaluated as therapeutic target for many different inflammatory diseases. Basic knowledge of the cellular response to IL6 is crucial to understand the full potential of such treatment and for developing safe drugs.

Status: Ongoing

The project owner is X-HiDE - Örebro University (oru.se)

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