This gene encodes a member of the IL-6 superfamily of cytokines. The encoded cytokine controls the production, differentiation, and function of granulocytes. Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that are part of the innate immune response. A modified form of this protein is commonly administered to manage chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, May 2020] see less This gene encodes a member of the IL-6 superfamily of cytokines. The encoded cytokine controls the production, differentiation, and function of granulocytes. Granulocytes are a type of white blood cell that are part of the innate immune response. A modified form of this protein is commonly administered to manage chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have be... see more