Binds to CNTF. The alpha subunit provides the receptor specificity. Receptor for heterodimeric neurotropic cytokine composed of CLCF1/CLC and CRLF1/CLF-1 (PubMed:26858303). Acts as a receptor for the neuroprotective peptide humanin as part of a complex with IL6ST/GP130 and IL27RA/WSX1 (PubMed:19386761). Forms a heterotrimer with LIFR and IL6ST. Interacts with heterodimeric neurotropic cytokine composed of CLCF1/CLC and CRLF1/CLF-1 (PubMed:26858303). Either alone or in complex with the heterodimer CLCF1-CRLF1 interacts with SORL1; this interaction may promote internalization and lysosomal degradation (PubMed:26858303). Component of a receptor complex composed of IL6ST/GP130, IL27RA/WSX1 and CNTFR which interacts with the neuroprotective peptide humanin (PubMed:19386761). Nervous system and skeletal muscle. The WSXWS motif appears to be necessary for proper protein folding and thereby efficient intracellular transport and cell-surface receptor binding. Belongs to the type I cytokine receptor family. Type 3 subfamily.