Essential Role of IL-6 Signaling Pathway in Keloid Pathogenesis
- 1 January 2007
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Medical Association of Nippon Medical School in Journal of Nippon Medical School
- Vol. 74 (1), 11-22
- https://doi.org/10.1272/jnms.74.11
Abstract
Cytokines are pleiotropic substances that are known to participate in inflammatory and immune responses as well as cell differentiation and proliferation. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a key cytokine with pro-inflammatory function. Wound healing is a complex cascade of physiologic events comprising inflammation, proliferation and remodeling, and proceeds with the integrated actions of different cells, cytokines, and the extracellular matrix. Aberrant wound healing results in keloid formation which causes disfigured appearance, discomfort, psychological stress, and patient frustration. In this review, the role of IL-6 signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of keloid is assessed and its potential as a therapeutic target is addressed. The existing data suggest that IL-6 mediated inflammation is a key player and may be considered as a common causative factor for development of keloid. Furthermore, in a recent comprehensive study, we confirmed the functional role of IL-6 signaling in keloid pathogenesis. Accordingly, inhibitory strategies of IL-6 signaling pathway by targeting the IL-6 receptors, its downstream effecters, or other molecules influencing this pathway appear to have considerable potential as new therapeutic or preventive challenges for keloid. Hopefully, several IL-6 blocking agents including a humanized antibody to IL-6 receptor have been developed and successfully used in clinical trials of inflammatory diseases. It is likely that these agents may prove worthy in the treatment or prevention of keloid as well. Future in-depth exploration of such challenges will shed light on their efficacy and safety for clinical application in keloid.Keywords
This publication has 74 references indexed in Scilit:
- Functional Implications of the IL-6 Signaling Pathway in Keloid PathogenesisJournal of Investigative Dermatology, 2007
- Integrating cell-signalling pathways with NF-κB and IKK functionNature Reviews Molecular Cell Biology, 2007
- Molecular Cross-Talk between the NFκB and STAT3 Signaling Pathways in Head and Neck Squamous Cell CarcinomaNeoplasia, 2006
- Significance of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in breast cancer (review)Breast Cancer Research and Treatment, 2006
- IL-6 Modulates Alpha-Smooth Muscle Actin Expression in Dermal Fibroblasts from IL-6-Deficient MiceJournal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006
- Effect of IL-6 on Alveolar Fibroblast Proliferation in Interstitial Lung DiseasesClinical Immunology and Immunopathology, 1996
- Interleukin 6 Induces the Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth FactorJournal of Biological Chemistry, 1996
- The gene for fibroblast activation protein α (FAP), a putative cell surface-bound serine protease expressed in cancer stroma and wound healing, maps to chromosome band 2q23Genomics, 1995
- Accelerated Healing of Incisional Wounds in Rats Induced by Transforming Growth Factor-βScience, 1987
- Retinoid effects on fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis in vitro and on fibrotic disease in vivoJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 1986