The structure of human interleukin-11 reveals features of biological significance

Abstract

Interleukin (IL)-11 is a member of the IL-6 family of pleiotropic cytokines that is characterised by shared use of the signal transducing receptor, GP130. Similar to IL-6, signalling by IL-11 is initiated by binding of soluble IL-11 to its membrane bound, specific receptor, IL-11Rα. This binary complex subsequently engages with GP130, inducing GP130 dimerisation and recruitment of JAK kinases resulting in phosphorylation and activation of the transcription factor, Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT)-3. STAT3 has been implicated in the maintenance of a tumour-promoting, inflammatory microenvironment. Persistent STAT3 activation is a recurrent feature of many human cancers ..