This gene encodes a subunit of the interleukin 6 (IL6) receptor complex. Interleukin 6 is a potent pleiotropic cytokine that regulates cell growth and differentiation and plays an important role in the immune response. The IL6 receptor is a protein complex consisting of this protein and interleukin 6 signal transducer (IL6ST/GP130/IL6-beta), a receptor subunit also shared by many other cytokines. Dysregulated production of IL6 and this receptor are implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, such as multiple myeloma, autoimmune diseases and prostate cancer. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been reported. A pseudogene of this gene is found on chromosome 9.[provided by RefSeq, May 2011],domain:The two fibronectin type-III-like domains, contained in the N-terminal part, form together a cytokine-binding domain.,domain:The WSXWS motif appears to be necessary for proper protein folding and thereby efficient intracellular transport and cell-surface receptor binding.,function:Low concentration of a soluble form of IL6 receptor acts as an agonist of IL6 activity.,function: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 may lead to the regulation of the immune response, acute-phase reactions and hematopoiesis.,PTM:A short soluble form may also be released from the membrane by proteolysis.,similarity:Belongs to the type I cytokine receptor family. Type 3 subfamily.,similarity:Contains 1 fibronectin type-III domain.,similarity:Contains 1 Ig-like C2-type (immunoglobulin-like) domain.,subunit:Hexamer of two molecules each of IL6, IL6R and IL6ST.,tissue specificity:Isoform 2 is expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and weakly found in urine and serum.,
