Specific inhibition of IL-6 receptor attenuates inflammatory bone loss in experimental periodontitis.

Background: Periodontal pathogenesis takes into consideration that disease results from a complex inflammatory immune response. Among the major cytokines related to periodontal damage, interleukin (IL)-6 enhances a cascade of tissue destruction. Tocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanized monoclonal anti-human IL-6 receptor that inhibits IL-6-mediated proinflammatory activity.