Recent insights into targeting the IL-6 cytokine family in inflammatory diseases and cancer

The IL-6 family of cytokines consists of IL-6, IL-11, IL-27, IL-31, oncostatin M (OSM), leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF), ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), cardiotrophin 1 (CT-1) and cardiotrophin-like cytokine factor 1 (CLCF1). Membership of this cytokine family is defined by usage of common β-receptor signalling subunits, which activate various intracellular signalling pathways. Each IL-6 family member elicits responses essential to the physiological control of immune homeostasis, haematopoiesis, inflammation, development and metabolism. Accordingly, distortion of these cytokine activities often promotes chronic disease and cancer; the pathological importance of this is exemplified by the successful treatment of certain autoimmune conditions with drugs that target the IL-6 pathway. Here, we discuss the emerging roles for IL-6 family members in infection, chronic inflammation, autoimmunity and cancer and review therapeutic strategies designed to manipulate these cytokines in disease

Computation of Görtler Vortices in Separated Hypersonic Flows

In concave boundary layers as well as in separated flows counter-rotating streamwise vortices appear if certain flow conditions are satisfied. These socalled Görtler vortices lead to significant transversal heat flux fluctuations in hypersonic flows. Until now numerical simulations of such instabilities have been carried out only for simplified geometries. Nevertheless, fully three-dimensional computations are of special interest for hypersonic re-entry vehicles especially on deflected control surfaces (flaps). For the present investigation a lifting body vehicle is chosen to show the capability of Navier-Stokes codes to simulate the influences of Görtler vortices at Mach 6 and Re=3.1x10*. Resolution of laminar vortices is possible by generation of local grids in the flap region with extensive spanwise grid refinement