Anti-IL6 antibodies are directed against the target protein which is encoded by the gene, interleukin 6 (IL6). Orthologs for IL6 have also been reported in other species, including mouse, rat, bovine, frog, chimpanzee and chicken. The canonical IL6 protein is 212 amino acids in length, 23.7 kDa in mass, and has a secreted subcellular localization. It is a member of the IL-6 protein superfamily. IL6 functions in growth factor activity and cytokine activity, as well as having a role in immune cytokine signaling and cellular stress response. In terms of tissue expression, it is produced by skeletal muscle. Post-translational modifications have been described, notably glycosylation. Synonyms for this protein include: BSF-2; BSF2; CDF; HGF; HSF; IFN-beta-2; IFNB2; IL-6; interleukin-6; B-cell differentiation factor; B-cell stimulatory factor 2.