Figure 1.
The figure shows possible actions for interleukin-6 (IL-6) and targets for the anti-IL-6 antagonist, tocilizumab in the atherothrombotic process. Tocilizumab could (1) reduce initiation and progression of the atherosclerotic process, (2) stabilise atherosclerotic plaques, (3) inhibit initiation and propagation of the thrombus, (4) reduce ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, (5) inhibit the maladaptive left ventricular remodelling process and (6) prevent development of symptomatic heart failure. However, tocilizumab could potentially also attenuate infarct healing.