Interleukin 6: Insights Into Its Function in Skin by Overexpression in Transgenic Mice

The study investigated the role of Interleukin 6 (IL-6) in skin by overexpressing it in transgenic mice using a human keratin 14 promoter. The mice with the K14-IL-6 transgene were smaller and had delayed hair growth. IL-6 expression did not increase epidermal proliferation but resulted in a thicker stratum corneum, suggesting a potential role in enhancing skin protection against injury or infection. The absence of leukocytic infiltration indicated that IL-6 did not have direct proinflammatory effects in the skin. The study suggested that IL-6 might work synergistically with other factors to perform additional roles in the skin.