Interleukin 11 receptor alpha (IL-11Rα)

Interleukin 11 receptor alpha (IL-11Rα) is a cell-surface receptor specific for interleukin 11 (IL-11), a member of the IL-6-type cytokine family characterized by use of the common co-receptor gp130. The signaling complex initiates upon IL-11 binding to IL-11Rα and subsequent recruitment of gp130, forming a higher order structure that brings together the intracellular regions of these receptors. This leads to activation of associated Janus kinases (primarily JAK1), followed by phosphorylation of tyrosine residues and triggering of several downstream signaling pathways, including STAT, ERK, MAPK, and PI3K, which regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, fibrogenesis, and immune responses. Dysregulation of this signaling has been implicated in various diseases including cancer, fibrosis, inflammation, and skeletal disorders. Drugs such as oprelvekin (recombinant IL-11) leverage the receptor’s hematopoietic effects, while inhibitors of IL-11/IL-11Rα signaling are being developed to target fibrotic and oncogenic processes.

Other names

IL11RAInterleukin-11 receptor subunit alphaIL-11 receptor αIL-11RInterleukin 11 receptor alpha subunit

Agonists (e.g., oprelvekin) stimulate the receptor, activating downstream pathways and promoting hematopoiesis Antagonists/inhibitors block IL-11 binding or receptor complex formation, preventing activation of JAK/STAT, ERK, MAPK, and PI3K signaling pathways