Signal-transducing molecule. May have a common pathway with IL6ST. The soluble form inhibits the biological activity of LIF by blocking its binding to receptors on target cells.

Defects in LIFR are the cause of Stueve-Wiedemann syndrome (SWS) [MIM:601559]; also knowns as Schwartz-Jampel syndrome type 2 (SJS2). SWS is a severe autosomal recessive condition and belongs to the group of the bent-bone dysplasias. SWS is characterized by bowing of the lower limbs, with internal cortical thickening, wide metaphyses with abnormal trabecular pattern, and camptodactyly. Additional features include feeding and swallowing difficulties, as well as respiratory distress and hyperthermic episodes, which cause death in the first months of life. The rare survivors develop progressive scoliosis, spontaneous fractures, bowing of the lower limbs, with prominent joints and dysautonomia symptoms, including temperature instability, absent corneal and patellar reflexes, and smooth tongue.
Note=A chromosomal aberration involving LIFR is found in salivary gland pleiomorphic adenomas, the most common benign epithelial tumors of the salivary gland. Translocation t(5;8)(p13;q12) with PLAG1.

Belongs to the type I cytokine receptor family. Type 2 subfamily.
Contains 6 fibronectin type-III domains.

The WSXWS motif appears to be necessary for proper protein folding and thereby efficient intracellular transport and cell-surface receptor binding.
The box 1 motif is required for JAK interaction and/or activation.

Secreted and Cell membrane.