Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a multi-functional cytokine that is produced by a range of cells and plays a central role in host defense mechanisms. Abnormal production of IL-6 has been suggested to be involved in glomerulonephritis, plasmacytomagenesis and in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this review, Toshio Hirano and colleagues discuss the possible involvement of IL-6 in a variety of diseases, the regulatory mechanism(s) of expression of the IL-6 gene and the structure and function of the IL-6 receptor.