Description
Cytokine that stimulates the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells and megakaryocyte progenitor cells and induces megakaryocyte maturation resulting in increased platelet production (PubMed: 2145578). Also promotes the proliferation of hepatocytes in response to liver damage. Binding to its receptor formed by IL6ST and IL11RA activates a signaling cascade that promotes cell proliferation (PubMed: 12919066). Signaling leads to the activation of intracellular protein kinases and the phosphorylation of STAT3. The interaction with the membrane-bound IL11RA and IL6ST stimulates 'classic signaling', whereas the binding of IL11 and soluble IL11RA to IL6ST stimulates 'trans-signaling' (PubMed: 30279168)