Interleukin-11

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

Interleukin-11 is encoded by the interleukin-11 gene, a gene located on chromosome 19. Interleukin-11 is formed by stromal fibroblasts of the bone marrow and mesenchymal cells. The synthesis is induced by interleukin-1alpha.

Like interleukin-6, interleukin-11 docks to the Gp130 receptor protein (Gp 130 was initially described as "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 the Jak/STAT cascade.

The pleiotropic physiological function of interleukin-6 ranges from influencing embryonic development, tissue homeostasis of neuronal development to T-cell differentiation. Furthermore, interleukin-11 promotes the primary and secondary immune response and modulates antigen-specific antibody reactions. It often acts synergistically with other cytokines (e.g. interleukin -1). Interleukin-11 stimulates, synergistically with interleukin-3 and other cytokines, 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 and Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast cancer.

Both interleukin-11 and IL11RA play a role in the progression of endometrial cancer 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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