Generation and characterization of a Muller-glial-cell-specific Il6ra knockout mouse to delineate the effects of IL-6 trans-signaling in the retina.

ABSTRACT: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is implicated in various retinal and vascular complications associated with diabetic retinopathy (DR). This cytokine functions through two main modalities: classical signaling, in cells expressing the membrane-bound receptor (IL-6Rα); and trans-signaling, possible in most cells through a soluble form of the receptor (sIL-6R). These pathways are considered to be anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory, respectively. Our recent studies in retinal endothelial cells and diabetic mice have shown that inhibiting only IL-6 trans-signaling is sufficient to prevent increased vascular leakage, oxidative stress, and inflammation characteristic of DR. Isolating the specific effects of each signaling pathway, however, remains difficult in cells expressing IL-6Rα that are thus capabl

SUBMITTER: Robinson R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9587029 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature