Interleukin-11 Signalling in Cross-Tissue Diseases: Mechanisms, Pathophysiological Roles, and Therapeutic Targeting

Dear Colleagues,

Interleukin-11 (IL-11) has re-emerged as a pivotal cytokine with far-reaching consequences across organ systems and disease states. Once considered a niche mediator, species-specific IL-11 is now recognized as a central driver of pathological remodelling in a diverse range of cardiovascular, hepatic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and renal diseases and more recently in brain and neural systems. IL-11 is also increasingly recognised as a key regulator of tumour progression, stromal activation, and metastatic dissemination.

The unique signalling properties of IL11—including the activation of non-canonical pathways in both stromal and parenchymal cells—position it as a unifying mechanistic node in disease biology and distinguish it from other members of the IL-6 family of cytokines. Its biology is further complicated by reports of pro-regenerative functions in highly regenerative species. This evolutionary divergence—regeneration in lower vertebrates versus scarring in mammals—highlights IL-11 as a unique molecular switch whose context-dependent signalling may determine whether tissues heal or fibrose.

This Special Issue will bring together cutting-edge research and novel perspectives that clarify IL-11’s molecular actions across organ systems, its contribution to disease progression, and its potential as a therapeutic target. By integrating mechanistic studies, translational insights, and emerging drug development strategies, this Special Issue will foster a cohesive understanding of IL-11 biology and catalyse innovation towards IL-11-directed interventions.

For this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Molecular biology and signalling pathways of IL-11;

IL-11’s role in regeneration and/or fibrosis-related tissue remodelling;

IL-11’s role in cardiometabolic disease, obesity, and ageing across organs;

IL-11’s role in pathologies of the brain and/or nervous system (neuroinflammation–neurodegeneration);

IL-11’s role in tumorigenesis and/or oncogenesis;

IL-11 as a biomarker and potential drug target in diseases;

Novel small- or large-molecular inhibitors of IL11/IL11RA and/or delivery methods for therapeutics;

Clinical studies on health outcomes of recombinant IL-11 use in thrombocytopenia treatment.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Wei Wen Lim
Dr. Mark Sweeney
Guest Editors

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