摘要
Interleukin-6(IL-6),a cytokine mainly produced by activated monocytes,has broad pleiotropic actions that affect the functions of a variety of lymphoid cells.The roles of IL-6 in regulating immunity to infections are currently being defined.Remarkably,IL-6-mediated cellular and humoral immune responses play a crucial role in determining the outcome of viral infection.This article reviews the current knowledge on the critical role of IL-6 in hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection.As a competent intermediary,IL-6 derived from activated monocytes plays an important role in promoting lymphocytes responses that are essential for effective viral control.However,as a mediator of inflammation,IL-6 is also involved in the development of HBV-induced liver cirrhosis and exacerbating liver injury.Overall,the current data point to IL-6 as an immunoregulatory cytokine in HBV infection.Immunotherapeutic strategies aimed at optimizing the beneficial effects of IL-6 in HBV infection may prove to be an ordeal in the future,as they should foster the strengths of IL-6 while circumventing potential drawbacks.
Interleukin-6(IL-6),a cytokine mainly produced by activated monocytes,has broad pleiotropic actions that affect the functions of a variety of lymphoid cells.The roles of IL-6 in regulating immunity to infections are currently being defined.Remarkably,IL-6-mediated cellular and humoral immune responses play a crucial role in determining the outcome of viral infection.This article reviews the current knowledge on the critical role of IL-6 in hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection.As a competent intermediary,IL-6 derived from activated monocytes plays an important role in promoting lymphocytes responses that are essential for effective viral control.However,as a mediator of inflammation,IL-6 is also involved in the development of HBV-induced liver cirrhosis and exacerbating liver injury.Overall,the current data point to IL-6 as an immunoregulatory cytokine in HBV infection.Immunotherapeutic strategies aimed at optimizing the beneficial effects of IL-6 in HBV infection may prove to be an ordeal in the future,as they should foster the strengths of IL-6 while circumventing potential drawbacks.
