Interleukin-11: a novel stroma-derived cytokine

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Interleukin-11 (IL-11) is a novel cytokine derived from stromal cells.
• It influences hematopoietic progenitors and stromal cells.
• IL-11 was identified as a growth factor for plasmacytoma cells and later found to be identical to adipogenesis inhibitory factor (AGIF).

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the biological activities of Interleukin-11 (IL-11).
• To describe the gene structure and chromosomal mapping of human IL-11.
• To identify the IL-11 receptor (IL-11R) and potential signal transduction pathways.

Main Methods:

• Cloning of IL-11 from a macaque bone marrow stromal cell line.
• Cloning of AGIF from a human bone marrow stromal cell line.
• Characterization of IL-11's effects on B-cell development, megakaryocyte formation, and adipogenesis.
• Gene mapping and receptor binding studies.

Main Results:

• IL-11 stimulates antibody-producing B cells and megakaryocyte formation.
• AGIF inhibits adipogenesis in preadipocytes.
• IL-11 promotes stem-cell proliferation, erythropoiesis, lymphohematopoiesis, and hepatic acute-phase response.
• The human IL-11 gene is located on chromosome 19.
• A high-affinity IL-11 receptor (IL-11R) exists, potentially involving a protein-tyrosine kinase pathway.

Conclusions:

• IL-11 exhibits diverse biological functions, including roles in hematopoiesis and adipogenesis inhibition.
• The identification of IL-11R and its signaling pathway provides insight into IL-11's mechanism of action.
• IL-11 represents a significant cytokine with broad implications in cellular regulation.