中国生物工程杂志

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleiotropic cytokine, which participates in many physiological and pathological functions. Studies have shown that IL-6 first forms a heterohexameric complex with its own receptors (IL-6R, gp130), which further activate downstream signal transduction pathways, and finally exerts biological functions. However, abnormal activation and dysfunction of IL-6 signaling pathway are closely related to a variety of diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and malignant tumors. In addition, the abnormal expression of IL-6 also plays an important role in COVID-19’s cytokine storm syndrome (CSS). In general, treatments that block key molecules in the IL-6 signaling pathway can be used for IL-6-related diseases. Different from blocking shared receptor molecules such as IL-6R or gp130, therapeutic monoclonal antibodies that block IL-6 protein are more specific. In clinical research, some antibodies targeting IL-6 show their unique therapeutic characteristics and beneficial effects. At present, only one monoclonal antibody drug targeting IL-6 protein has been approved by the US FDA for marketing, and more than 8 therapeutic monoclonal antibodies are in the clinical research. This article focuses on a brief review of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies targeting human IL-6 protein around world and their clinical applications.