IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays an important role in host defense by regulating immune and inflammatory responses. Produced by T cells, monocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and keratinocytes, IL-6 has diverse biological functions. It stimulates B-cell differentiation and antibody production, synergizes with IL-3 in megakaryocyte development and platelet production, induces expression of hepatic acute-phase proteins, and regulates bone metabolism. IL-6 signals through the IL-6 receptor system that consists of two chains, IL-6Ralpha and gp130.