CNTF promotes neurotransmitter synthesis and neurite outgrowth in certain neuronal populations. The protein is a potent survival factor for neurons and oligodendrocytes and may be relevant in reducing tissue destruction during inflammatory attacks. Recombinant human CNTF produced in E. coli is a non-glycosylated protein, made up of 200 amino acids, with a molecular mass of 22.9 kDa.