Interleukin-11:soluble Interleukin-11 receptor subunit alpha complex (IL-11:sIL-11RA complex)

The Interleukin-11:soluble Interleukin-11 receptor subunit alpha complex is a signaling assembly formed by the cytokine Interleukin-11 and its soluble alpha receptor subunit. This complex is the primary mediator of IL-11 trans-signaling, a mechanism that allows IL-11 to activate cells expressing the signal transducer gp130 but lacking the membrane-bound IL-11 receptor. By bypassing the requirement for membrane-bound receptors, the complex extends IL-11's biological reach to a wide variety of cell types, including endothelial and immune cells. It primarily activates the JAK/STAT3, ERK, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, which regulate cell survival, proliferation, and mesenchymal transitions. In disease states, the complex is strongly associated with the development of organ fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and the progression of solid tumors. Therapeutic strategies targeting this complex include the use of soluble gp130-Fc fusion proteins, which act as decoys to neutralize trans-signaling, as well as neutralizing antibodies and cytokine muteins designed to disrupt complex formation. Clinical applications of targeting this complex are being explored for conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and various cancers where IL-11 signaling is pathologically elevated.

Other names

IL-11/sIL-11R complexInterleukin-11/soluble Interleukin-11 receptor alpha complexIL-11 trans-signaling complexHyper-IL-11

Trans-signaling inhibition, JAK/STAT3 pathway activation, Competitive inhibition