Overview

• The LMU Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research led the study, published August 26 in Nature Cardiovascular Research.
• Researchers modeled druglike effects by interrogating IL6 gene variants rather than IL6R, addressing concerns raised by earlier receptor-focused work.
• Carriers of variants that dampen IL‑6 signaling had lower lifetime risks of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.
• The same variants were linked to lower risks of pneumonia and sepsis, countering fears that IL‑6 blockade increases infection susceptibility.
• Genetic signals also suggested improvements in type 2 diabetes risk and lipid profiles, and the authors note that randomized trials must confirm efficacy and safety.