Interleukin-12 and Interleukin-23 p40 subunit (IL-12/IL-23 p40)

The **Interleukin-12 and Interleukin-23 p40 subunit** is a protein chain shared by the heterodimeric cytokines interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interleukin-23 (IL-23), both key mediators of immune and inflammatory processes[1][2][4][5]. The p40 subunit, encoded by the IL12B gene, pairs with p35 to form IL-12 and with p19 to form IL-23. Both cytokines then signal via specific cell surface receptors to promote the differentiation and maintenance of T helper cell populations—Th1 in the case of IL-12 and Th17 for IL-23. Oversupply or dysregulation of IL-12/IL-23 p40 has been strongly implicated in autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and certain cancers. The unique sharing of this subunit by IL-12 and IL-23 enables targeted therapies such as monoclonal antibodies (e.g., ustekinumab) to inhibit both cytokines simultaneously and modulate immune-mediated pathology[1][2][4][5].

Other names

IL-12BIL-12 subunit betaIL-12p40p40Interleukin-12 subunit betaIL-23 p40

Monoclonal antibodies that bind to the p40 subunit, thereby inhibiting the activity of both interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 and their downstream immunological effects[4].