IL6 family members share similarity in gene structure and have a 4-helix bundle in their protein structure. CLCF1 is closely related to other proteins called cardiotrophin-1 and ciliary neurotrophic factor.

CLCF1 induces tyrosine phosphorylation of the IL-6 receptor common subunit glycoprotein 130 (gp130), leukemia inhibitory factor receptor beta, and the transcription factor STAT3. It has been implicated in the induction of IL-1 (via induction of corticosterone and IL-6) and serum amyloid A, and in B cell hyperplasia. This cytokine is capable of B cell activation via gp130 receptor stimulation.The term "neurotrophin" is commonly used to refer collectively to the four structurally related factors NGF, BDNF, NT-3 and NT-4, while NNT1 bears no structural resemblance to these four proteins.