Cell surface receptors for CILIARY NEUROTROPHIC FACTOR. They are heterotrimeric proteins formed by the association of the ciliary neurotrophic factor receptor alpha subunit with the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor alpha subunit and the cytokine receptor gp130. Although the receptor regulates neuronal development, it is structurally similar to the cytokine receptor for INTERLEUKIN-6; (receptors, interleukin-6).