Fig. 2.

The classic and the trans-signalling pathways are mediated by the membrane-bound form of IL-6 receptor (mIL6R) and soluble form of IL-6 receptor (sIL6-R) respectively. Monoclonal antibodies against IL-6 and IL-6R can inhibit these pathways. Similarly, Janus Kinase Inhibitors (JAKinibs) inhibit phosphorylation of STAT (a transcription factor), thus blocking the downstream signalling of IL-6. ADAM10 plays a key role in switching from the classical to trans signalling pathway by converting sIL-6R to mIL-6R