Is interleukin-6 receptor blockade the Holy Grail for inflammatory diseases?

Abstract

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) has been linked to a myriad of diseases associated with inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn's disease, and several types of cancer. In 2009 the US Food and Drug Administration accepted a complete-response submission for the use of Actemra (tocilizumab), the first humanized IL-6 receptor-inhibiting monoclonal antibody, for the treatment of RA. Although this treatment will certainly help in managing inflammatory disorders such as RA, we suggest that side effects of such blockade may be excess weight gain and hyperlipidemia.