Interleukin- 6 (IL-6) is a potent lymphoid cell growth factor that stimulates the growth and survivability of certain B cells and T cells. It is a pro-inflammatory cytokine. IL-6 originates from mononuclear phagocytes, T and B lymphocytes, vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts. It has a role in various physiological and pathological processes. IL-6 plays an important role in intracellular signaling pathways.
[1][2] Recombinant rat IL-6 is a 21.7kDa protein containing 187 amino acid residues.