pIL-12 fusion protein

pIL-12 fusion protein refers to a plasmid DNA (pDNA) expression vector that encodes a single-chain fusion version of the Interleukin-12 (IL-12) cytokine. IL-12 is a heterodimeric protein naturally composed of p35 and p40 subunits; in this specific fusion construct, the two subunits are genetically linked to be expressed as a single polypeptide chain. This therapeutic approach is typically delivered via intratumoral electroporation (IT-EP), which uses localized electrical pulses to facilitate the uptake of the plasmid into tumor cells. Once internalized, the cells produce and secrete the IL-12 fusion protein, which acts as a potent proinflammatory agonist of the IL-12 receptor on T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. This stimulates a Th1-type immune response, increases interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production, and enhances systemic anti-tumor immunity. This fusion architecture was evaluated by OncoSec Medical as an alternative to bicistronic (IRES or P2A-linked) constructs for the treatment of advanced solid tumors, including melanoma and Merkel cell carcinoma, though later clinical development (such as tavokinogene telseplasmid) favored P2A-linked bicistronic designs for superior expression.

Other names

single-chain IL-12 plasmidp35-p40 fusion plasmidp-35-p40 fusion plasmidp 35-p40 fusion plasmidpIL-12 fusion constructpIL12 fusion constructpIL 12 fusion construct