The
leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a polyfunctional
cytokine that affects the differentiation, survival, and proliferation of a wide variety of cells in the adult and the embryo. LIF action appears to be mediated through a high-affinity receptor complex composed of a low-affinity LIF binding chain (LIF receptor) and a high-affinity converter subunit,
glycoprotein 130 (IL6ST, gp130). Both LIFR and gp130 are members of a family of cytokine receptors that includes components of the receptors for the majority of hematopoietic cytokines and for cytokines that affect other systems, including the
ciliary neurotrophic factor,
growth hormone and
prolactin. == Interactions ==