Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is an important pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine expressed by T cells, macrophages, and muscle cells. IL-6 signals through a receptor complex containing two receptors, IL-6Ra and gp130. IL-6 has an important function in promoting fever and can serve to stimulate an immune response to trauma. IL-6 is often used for growth of hybridoma cell lines. Human IL-6 is active on mouse and rat cells.
Bioactivity Assay:B9 cell proliferation; ED50 =0.025 ng/mL; Bioactivity =4.0 x 10^7 units/mg