Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables cytokine activity and interleukin-6 receptor binding activity. Involved in several processes, including liver development; lymphocyte activation involved in immune response; and positive regulation of macromolecule biosynthetic process. Acts upstream of or within with a positive effect on gene expression. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including cellular response to cytokine stimulus; regulation of gene expression; and salivary gland morphogenesis. Located in external side of plasma membrane. Part of interleukin-6 receptor complex. Is active in extracellular space. Is expressed in several structures, including adrenal gland; early conceptus; genitourinary system; hemolymphoid system; and intestine. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in several diseases, including artery disease (multiple); autoimmune disease (multiple); gastrointestinal system cancer (multiple); glucose metabolism disease (multiple); and periodontal disease (multiple). Orthologous to human IL6 (interleukin 6).