Part of the receptor for interleukin 6. Binds to IL6 with low affinity, but does not transduce a signal. Signal activation necessitate an association with IL6ST. Activation leads to the regulation of the immune response, acute-phase reactions and hematopoiesis. The interaction with membrane-bound IL6R and IL6ST stimulates 'classic signaling', the restricted expression of the IL6R limits classic IL6 signaling to only a few tissues such as the liver and some cells of the immune system. Whereas the binding of IL6 and soluble IL6R to IL6ST stimulates 'trans-signaling'. Alternatively, 'cluster signaling' occurs when membrane-bound IL6:IL6R complexes on transmitter cells activate IL6ST receptors on neighboring receiver cells.; Signaling via the membrane-bound IL6R is mostly regenerative and anti-inflammatory. Drives naive CD4(+) T cells to the Th17 lineage, through 'cluster signaling' by dendritic cells.; Soluble form of IL6 receptor (sIL6R) that acts as an agonist of IL6 activity. The IL6:sIL6R complex (hyper-IL6) binds to IL6ST/gp130 on cell surfaces and induces signaling also on cells that do not express membrane-bound IL6R in a process called IL6 'trans-signaling'. sIL6R is causative for the proinflammatory properties of IL6 and an important player in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. In complex with IL6, is required for induction of VEGF production. Plays a protective role during liver injury, being required for maintenance of tissue regeneration. 'Trans-signaling' in central nervous system regulates energy and glucose homeostasis.

[Interleukin-6 receptor subunit alpha]: Cell membrane; Single-pass type I membrane protein.; [Soluble interleukin-6 receptor subunit alpha]: Secreted.

Type I cytokine receptor family, Type 3 subfamily

STRING: 10116.ENSRNOP00000028234

UniGene: Rn.1716