Interleukin-12 (IL-12) (IL-12)

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a proinflammatory heterodimeric cytokine composed of two subunits, p35 and p40, primarily secreted by activated antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells (UniProt P29459, P29460). It serves as a key bridge between innate and adaptive immunity by inducing the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Type 1 helper (Th1) cells and stimulating the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) from T cells and natural killer (NK) cells (PubMed: 15123770). Pathologically, the overproduction of IL-12 is associated with the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disorders, including psoriasis, Crohn's disease, and psoriatic arthritis (PubMed: 18347605). Therapeutic intervention typically involves monoclonal antibodies, such as ustekinumab, which target the shared p40 subunit of IL-12 and IL-23 to block their respective signaling pathways (StatPearls: NBK537220). While effective in treating inflammation, modulating IL-12 levels can increase susceptibility to certain infections and has been investigated for its potential to enhance anti-tumor immunity in oncology (PubMed: 28243150). Small molecule inhibitors like apilimod have also been explored to specifically reduce the production of IL-12 in inflammatory contexts (PubMed: 17186031).

Other names

Natural killer cell stimulatory factorNKSFCytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factorCLMFInterleukin-12 heterodimerIL-12p70

Inhibition of IL-12 signaling through monoclonal antibody-mediated neutralization of the p40 subunit or small molecule inhibition of cytokine production.