Interleukin-11

Interleukins (from Latin inter = "between" and Greek λευκός (leukós) = "white" and κινεῖν (kinein) = "to move", "to set in motion") are a group of endogenous, short-chain regulatory proteins (cytokines) of the immune system (interleukin-1 to interleukin-38). Interleukins are mediators for the induction, course and control of T-cell-mediated cytotoxic immune reactions and B-cell activation (antibody production). Interleukin-11 has an anti-inflammatory effect (analogous to TGF-beta and interleukin-10) by preventing excessive inflammatory reactions. The cytokine is therefore important for the homeostasis of the immune system.

Interleukin-11 is encoded by the interleukin-11 gene, a gene located on chromosome 19. It is produced by bone marrow stromal fibroblasts and mesenchymal cells. Synthesis can be induced by interleukin-1alpha.

Like interleukin-6, interleukin-11 binds to the Gp130 receptor protein (Gp130 was initially described as an "interleukin-6 transducer chain" or "interleukin-6 signal transducer"; the number 130 stands for its molecular mass of 130 kDa). Both cytokines activate the same "downstream signaling pathways" with activation of the MAPK and Jak/STAT cascade.

The pleiotropic physiological function of interleukin-11 includes the regulation of central processes such as influencing embryonic development, the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, neuronal differentiation and the modulation of T-cell differentiation. Furthermore, interleukin-11 promotes the primary and secondary immune response and modulates antigen-specific antibody reactions. In many cases, it acts synergistically with other cytokines (e.g. interleukin-1). In synergy with interleukin-3 and other cytokines, interleukin-11 stimulates the colony formation of megakaryocytes and erythropoietic stem cells.

Polymorphisms of IL11RA are associated with thyroid carcinoma in the Korean population.

The interleukin-11 receptor is increasingly expressed in CD38-positive myeloma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer.

Interleukin-11 as well as IL11RA play a role in the progression of endometrial carcinoma and colorectal adenocarcinoma (C19).

The interleukin-alpha subunit of the interleukin-11 receptor showed anti-apoptotic effects in human colon epithelia.

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