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
Andrew WeilExamples of interleukin-6 in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The study found that the people who ate more red meat and did not follow the Mediterranean diet had higher levels of circulating inflammatory markers, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP).
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
This points to the key culprit in the discovery – interleukin-6 (IL6), a fiery molecule released during inflammation.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2025
Bryan Johnson Analysis of molecules revealed that the awakening of dormant cancer cells is driven by a protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6), which immune cells release in response to infections or injuries.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
Common blood tests that are markers of inflammation include C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a).
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025
With multiple myeloma, levels of the chemical messenger interleukin-6 (IL-6) increase.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Dec. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Sandee Lamotte, CNN Money, 15 Sep. 2025
This points to the key culprit in the discovery – interleukin-6 (IL6), a fiery molecule released during inflammation.
—Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 9 Aug. 2025
Bryan Johnson Analysis of molecules revealed that the awakening of dormant cancer cells is driven by a protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6), which immune cells release in response to infections or injuries.
—Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 July 2025
Common blood tests that are markers of inflammation include C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a).
—Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025
With multiple myeloma, levels of the chemical messenger interleukin-6 (IL-6) increase.
—Lindsay Curtis, Health, 1 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Interleukin-6.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interleukin-6. Accessed 23 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
interleukin-6
noun
: an interleukin that is produced by various cells (as macrophages, fibroblasts, T cells, and tumor cells) and that acts as a pyrogen, induces maturation of B cells and growth of myeloma cells, activates and induces proliferation of T cells, and stimulates synthesis of plasma proteins (as fibrinogen)
—abbreviation IL-6
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share