Interleukin 11

Interleukin 11 (IL-11) is a cytokine (first isolated in 1990) that originates from bone marrow stroma and activates B cells and megakaryocytes. It is also known under the names Adipogenesis inhibitory factor (AGIF) and Oprelvekin.

Compared to other interleukins, IL-11 relatively under-characterized.

The human IL-11 gene, consisting of 5 exons and 4 introns, is located on chromosome 19. IL-11 belongs to the IL-6 superfamily.

Functions
IL-11 has been demonstrated to improve platelet recovery after chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, induce acute phase proteins, modulate antigen-antibody responses, participate in the regulation of bone cell proliferation and differentiation and could be use as a therapeutic for osteoporosis. Besides from lymphopoietic/hematopoietic and osteotrophic properties, it has functions in many tissues such as brain, gut and testis. IL-11 stimulates the growth of certain lymphocytes and, in the murine model, stimulates an increase in the cortical thickness and strength of long bones.