Critical contribution of the interleukin-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 axis to vasculopathy associated with systemic sclerosis.

Abstract

Reflecting the critical role of interleukin (IL)-6 in systemic sclerosis (SSc), tocilizumab, an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody, is currently under a global phase III trial against skin sclerosis of this disease. We here demonstrate that the IL-6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 axis is broadly activated in various cell types in the lesional skin of SSc patients irrespective of disease subtypes, especially in endothelial cells. Importantly, 12 monthly infusions of tocilizumab improved nailfold capillary changes as well as skin sclerosis in a patient with diffuse cutaneous SSc. The present findings suggest a potential disease-modifying effect of tocilizumab on SSc vasculopathy.

• Authors: Takashi Taniguchi, Yoshihide Asano, Takemichi Fukasawa, Ayumi Yoshizaki, Shinichi Sato
• Journal: The Journal of dermatology (J Dermatol) Vol. 44 Issue 8 Pg. 967-971 (Aug 2017) ISSN: 1346-8138 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 28342234 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2017 Japanese Dermatological Association.

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• IL6 protein, human
• IL6R protein, human
• Interleukin-6
• Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1
• Receptors, Interleukin-6
• STAT3 Transcription Factor
• STAT3 protein, human
• tocilizumab

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Capillaries (diagnostic imaging, drug effects)
• Dermoscopy
• Endothelial Cells (drug effects, pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Interleukin-6 (metabolism)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Nails (blood supply, diagnostic imaging)
• Pilot Projects
• Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1
• Receptors, Interleukin-6 (antagonists & inhibitors)
• STAT3 Transcription Factor (metabolism)
• Scleroderma, Systemic (drug therapy, pathology)
• Signal Transduction (drug effects)
• Skin (drug effects, pathology)
• Vascular Diseases (drug therapy, etiology, pathology)