Interleukin 11 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by mesenchymal-derived adherent cells. IL11 shares many functions of IL6 and LIF, including potentiation of megakaryocyte activity, enhancement of human myeloma cell proliferation, and enhancement of hepatic acute phase protein production.
Interleukin 11 directly stimulates the proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells and megakaryocyte progenitor cells, and induces megakaryocyte maturation resulting in increased platelet production. Clinically it is used to prevent severe thrombocytopenia and the reduction of the need for platelet transfusion following myelosuppressive chemotherapy.