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

Examples of interleukin-6 in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

People with detectable plastic particles also had higher levels of inflammatory markers in coronary blood, including interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 15 July 2026

Several multinational clinical trials are underway to test the effects of inhibitors of interleukin-6, another of the immune system’s chemical messengers, on heart disease outcomes. — Melinda Wenner Moyer, Scientific American, 14 Apr. 2026

Your Levels of Inflammation May Be Reduced Both omega-3 fatty acids and omega-3s lower inflammation markers in the body, such as interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein. — Megan Nunn, Verywell Health, 30 Jan. 2026

These compounds inhibit inflammation and may lower inflammatory markers such as CRP and interleukin-6 (IL-6). — Jillian Kubala, Health, 22 Oct. 2025

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