IL-6 Plays a Crucial Role in HBV Infection

Interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine mainly produced by activated monocytes, has broad pleiotropic actions that affect the functions of a variety of lymphoid cells. The roles of IL-6 in regulating immunity to infections are currently being defined. Remarkably, IL-6-mediated cellular and humoral immune responses play a crucial role in determining the outcome of viral infection. This article reviews the current knowledge on the critical role of IL-6 in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. As a competent intermediary, IL-6 derived from activated monocytes plays an important role in promoting lymphocytes responses that are essential for effective viral control. However, as a mediator of inflammation, IL-6 is also involved in the development of HBV-induced liver cirrhosis and exacerbating liver injury. Overall, the current data point to IL-6 as an immunoregulatory cytokine in HBV infection. Immunotherapeutic strategies aimed at optimizing the beneficial effects of IL-6 in HBV infection may prove to be an ordeal in the future, as they should foster the strengths of IL-6 while circumventing potential drawbacks.