IL-11 is a pleiotropic cytokine in the IL-6 family, which also includes LIF, CNTF, Oncostatin M, Cardiotrophin-1, IL-27 and IL-31.  IL11 is also known under the names adipogenesis inhibitory factor (AGIF) and oprelvekin.The mouse IL-11 cDNA encodes a 199 amino acid (aa) precursor, which generates a 178 aa, 19 kDa mature unglycosylated protein. It is found in the plasma mainly during inflammation, and is considered to be primarily antiinflammatory. It stimulates hematopoiesis and thrombopoiesis, regulates macrophage differentiation, and confers mucosal protection in the intestine. It has also been found to enhance T cell polarization toward Th2, promote B cell IgG production, increase osteoclast bone absorption, protect endothelial cells from oxidative stress, and regulate epithelial proliferation and apoptosis. IL-11 synergizes with several other cytokines to produce these effects, and its effects overlap with those of IL-6. 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. As a signaling molecule, IL-11 has a variety of functions associated with its receptor interleukin 11 receptor alpha; such functions include placentation and to some extent of decidualization.

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