Interleukin-11(IL-11) is a secreted protein and belongs to the IL-6 superfamily. IL-11 has been demonstrated to improve platelet recovery after chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, induceacute phase proteins, modulate antigen-antibody responses, participate in the regulation of bone cellproliferation and differentiation and could be use as a therapeutic for osteoporosis. 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. In addition to having lymphopoietic/hematopoietic and osteotrophic properties, it has functions in many other tissues, including the brain, gut, testis and bone.
