Type I cytokine receptors are transmembrane receptors expressed on the surface of cells that recognize and respond to cytokines with four alpha-helical strands. These receptors are also known as hemopoietin receptors and share a common amino acid motif (WSXWS) int he extracellular portion. Type I cytokine receptors include interleukin receptors, colony stimulating factor receptors and other cytokine receptors.

The signal transducing chains are often shared between different receptors within the family. For example, the IL-2 receptor shares a common gamma chain (CD132) with the IL-4 reeptor. The common beta chain (CD131) is shared between the GM-CSF recetpor and the IL-3 receptor.