murine interleukin-12

Murine interleukin-12 (muIL-12) is a recombinant form of the cytokine interleukin-12 derived specifically from the mouse (murine) sequence. It is composed of two covalently linked subunits, p35 and p40, forming a p70 heterodimer that functions as a pro-inflammatory immune modulator. Murine IL-12 is chiefly used in animal research to study immune mechanisms and cancer immunotherapy. It acts by stimulating the proliferation and cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and NKT cells, driving differentiation toward the T-helper 1 (Th1) phenotype and promoting robust production of interferon-gamma (IFNγ) and other pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNFα[2][5]. In preclinical models, murine IL-12 demonstrates potent antitumor and antimetastatic activity, largely through activation of cell-mediated immunity and reversal of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment[2][5][6]. IL-12 also enhances the persistence and function of CD8+ T cells in adoptive transfer protocols[4]. Importantly, studies have noted that CD8+ T cells rather than NK cells are essential mediators of its antitumor effects, and toxicity is dose-related[2][4]. Several fusion protein formulations exist for improved pharmacokinetics/efficacy in mouse models[6]. Murine IL-12 is not a pharmaceutical drug for humans but is an indispensable reagent in murine immunology and oncology research.

Other names

mouse interleukin-12muIL-12muIL12muIL 12IL-12IL12IL 12