Interleukin-12

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a type of interleukin that is naturally produced by dendritic cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and human B-lymphoblastoid cells (NC-37) in response to antigenic stimulation. IL-12 is a heterodimeric cytokine, composed of two subunits, p35 and p40, which are covalently linked. This cytokine is involved in the differentiation of naive T cells into Th1 cells.

Function

IL-12 plays a key role in the activities of natural killer cells and T lymphocytes. It induces the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) from T and natural killer cells, and reduces IL-4 mediated suppression of IFN-γ. IL-12 also plays a role in enhancing the cytotoxic function of natural killer cells. It promotes the development of T cells into Th1 cells, which produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and are important for cellular immunity.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in IL-12 production and function can lead to infectious diseases, immunodeficiency, and autoimmune diseases. IL-12 is also involved in clinical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It has been used therapeutically in the treatment of neoplastic diseases due to its ability to stimulate the immune response.

See Also

• Interleukin
• Cytokine
• Interferon-gamma
• Tumor necrosis factor-alpha
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Psoriasis
• Rheumatoid arthritis

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