The protein Interleukin-6 (IL-6) can retract on different functions in cells,depending on how it activates the cells. If it activates cells via the classical signalling path, it helps with the regeneration of tissue, and is indispensable for fighting bacterial infections. However,if it activates cells via so-called 'trans-signalling', the protein propels inflammations. Blocking this signalling path significantly improves the symptoms of many inflammatory diseases, and is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis,for example. In the Journal of Biological Chemistry, scientists at Kiel University possess now shown that human immune cells possess a built-in protective mechanism which prevents them being activated via trans-signalling.
Source: phys.org