Interleukin-11 (IL-11), a member of the IL-6 family of cytokines, plays diverse roles in hematopoiesis, inflammation, tissue repair, and cancer progression. It signals through a receptor complex comprising IL-11Rα and gp130. activating downstream pathways like JAK/STAT, MAPK, and PI3K/AKT. While IL-11 supports platelet production and mucosal healing, its dysregulation is linked to fibrosis, autoimmune disorders, and tumorigenesis. Elevated IL-11 expression is observed in cancers (e.g., gastrointestinal, breast) and fibrotic diseases (e.g., lung, liver), where it promotes cell survival, EMT, and collagen deposition.
IL-11 antibodies, including monoclonal and neutralizing types, aim to block IL-11/IL-11Rα interaction or downstream signaling. Preclinical studies demonstrate their potential to inhibit tumor growth, reduce fibrosis, and attenuate inflammatory responses. For instance, anti-IL-11 therapies have shown efficacy in murine models of lung fibrosis and colitis-associated cancer. However, challenges remain, such as optimizing specificity to avoid off-target effects (e.g., interference with IL-6 family cytokines) and addressing potential immunosuppressive risks. Recent advances in antibody engineering, like humanized or bispecific designs, aim to enhance therapeutic precision. Clinical trials are emerging, positioning IL-11 antibodies as promising agents for conditions where IL-11 pathway hyperactivity drives pathology.