IL6 and arthritic joint disease: In addition, celastrol inhibited CFA-induced arthritis rat model via modulation of i) inflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-17, IL-6, and IFN-γ) in response to the disease-related antigens, ii) IL-6/IL-17-related transcription factor STAT3, iii) cyclic citrullinated- and Bhsp65-peptides directed antibodies, and iv) MMP-9 and phospho-ERK activity, supporting the use of celastrol as an adjunct (along with conventional drugs) or alternative approach for the RA treatment [279].