Receptor for interleukin-11. The receptor systems for IL6, LIF, OSM, CNTF, IL11 and CT1 can utilize IL6ST for initiating signal transmission. The IL11/IL11RA/IL6ST complex may be involved in the control of proliferation and/or differentiation of skeletogenic progenitor or other mesenchymal cells. Essential for the normal development of craniofacial bones and teeth. Soluble form of IL11 receptor (sIL11RA) that acts as an agonist of IL11 activity. The IL11:sIL11RA complex binds to IL6ST/gp130 on cell surfaces and induces signaling also on cells that do not express membrane-bound IL11RA in a process called IL11 trans-signaling. On IL11 binding, forms a multimer complex with IL6ST/gp130. Widely expressed in all adult tissues and in embryos. Highest levels in kidney, skeletal muscle and embryo. First detected at low levels at 10.5 dpc in cranofacial mesenchyme and in parts of the nervous system. At 12.5 dpc, high expression found in heart, diaphragm, bronchi and in the mesenchyme surrounding precartilage condensations. At later stages, expressed in dental papilla, dermis, hair follicles and in the perichondrium and in regions containing chondro and osteo progenitor cells. A short soluble form is also released from the membrane by proteolysis (PubMed:26876177). The sIL11RA is formed either by limited proteolysis of membrane-bound receptors, a process referred to as ectodomain shedding, or directly secreted from the cells after alternative mRNA splicing (PubMed:26876177). mIL11RA is cleaved by the proteases ADAM10, ELANE and PRTN3 (PubMed:26876177). Mice have disturbed cranial growth and suture activity. Belongs to the type I cytokine receptor family. Type 3 subfamily.