CNTF exerts its effects primarily through binding to its receptor complex, which includes the CNTF receptor alpha (CNTFRα), leukemia inhibitory factor receptor beta (LIFRβ), and glycoprotein 130 (gp130). Upon binding, a cascade of intracellular signaling pathways is activated, including the JAK/STAT and MAPK pathways. These pathways lead to the transcription of genes involved in cell survival, growth, and differentiation.
