IL6 and thromboangiitis obliterans: Activated B lymphocytes in TAO patients produce antibodies against the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor TSHR (TSHR-stimulating antibodies), causing a periorbital inflammatory response.IL-6 promotes the proliferation and differentiation of B cells and T cells, releasing a variety of cytokines and leading to increased production of glycosaminoglycans and fat in the orbit.