Tuo Ji,1,2,* Guanhong Huang,1,2,* Yudie Cao,1,2 Yuzhi Gao,1,2 Xuzhu Gao1,2 

1Institute of Clinical Oncology, Lianyungang Hospital Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, Lianyungang, People’s Republic of China; 2Institute of Clinical Oncology, The Second People’s Hospital of Lianyungang (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang, People’s Republic of China

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Xuzhu Gao, Institute of Clinical Oncology, The Second People’s Hospital of Lianyungang (Cancer Hospital of Lianyungang), Lianyungang, People’s Republic of China, Email alexgwan@163.com

Abstract: The interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of cytokines includes IL-6, IL-11, IL-27, IL-31, etc. These cytokines are intimately linked with inflammatory diseases and exhibit pleiotropic properties. Several factors, including air pollution, smoking, and an aging population, are contributing to the changing epidemiology of respiratory diseases. A high incidence of respiratory disease represents a significant burden on society and the economy. The prominent role of IL-6 family members in respiratory diseases has been extensively studied, and they influence the disease process through multiple mechanisms and has significant clinical relevance in respiratory diseases. Here, we describe the role of IL-6 family cytokines and their signaling pathways on various immune cells, as well as the research progress on IL-6 family cytokines in respiratory diseases in recent years. The aim of this review is to provide an in-depth analysis of the key role of the IL-6 family in respiratory diseases and to provide a solid theoretical basis for further research and clinical practice in this field.

Keywords: IL-6 family cytokines, respiratory diseases, biological function, inflammation, immune response