IL-6, A1 and A2aR: A crosstalk that modulates BDNF and induces neuroprotection

•IL-6 is a trophic molecule for axotomized retinal ganglion cell survival in vitro.•A1 adenosine receptors mediate the effect of IL-6 on retinal ganglion cell survival.•A2a adenosine receptors mediate the effect of IL-6 on retinal ganglion cell survival.•A1R, A2aR, BDNF and IL-6 crosstalk results in neuroprotection.•BDNF induces IL-6 release in culture of retina cells. Several diseases are related to retinal ganglion cell death, such as glaucoma, diabetes and other retinopathies. Many studies have attempted to identify factors that could increase neuroprotection after axotomy of these cells. Interleukin-6 has been shown to be able to increase the survival and regeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) in mixed culture as well as in vivo. In this work we show that the trophic effect of IL-6 is mediated by adenosine receptor (A2aR) activation and also by the presence of extracellular BDNF. We also show that there is a complex cross-talk between IL-6, BDNF, the Adenosine A1 and A2a receptors that results in neuroprotection of retinal ganglion cells.