interleukin-6

noun

in·​ter·​leu·​kin-6 ˌin-tər-ˈlü-kən-ˈsiks 

: an interleukin that is produced by various cells (such as macrophages, fibroblasts, T cells, and tumor cells) and that induces the maturation of B cells and growth of myeloma cells, activates and induces the proliferation of T cells, stimulates synthesis of plasma proteins (such as fibrinogen), and plays a role in producing fever

Last year, researchers discovered that older women who were socially active had lower levels of interleukin-6, a substance linked to chronic inflammation that is found at high levels in people with Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, and cancer.

—Andrew Weil

—abbreviation IL-6

Word History

First Known Use

1987, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

interleukin-6

noun

-ˈsiks 

: an interleukin that is produced by various cells (as macrophages, fibroblasts, T cells, and tumor cells) and that acts as a pyrogen, induces maturation of B cells and growth of myeloma cells, activates and induces proliferation of T cells, and stimulates synthesis of plasma proteins (as fibrinogen)

—abbreviation IL-6