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
Cite this Entry
“Interleukin-6.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interleukin-6. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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