Description
Interleukin-12 (IL-12), also known as Natural Killer Cell Stimulatory Factor (NKSF) or Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Maturation Factor (CLMF), is a heterodimeric pleiotropic cytokine made up of a 40 kDa (p40) subunit and a 35 kDa (p35) subunit. IL-12 is produced by macrophages and B lymphocytes and has been shown to have multiple effects on T cells and Natural Killer (NK) cells. Some of these IL-12 activities include the induction of IFN-gamma and TNF in resting and activated T and NK cells; the enhancement of cytotoxic activity of resting NK and T cells, the stimulation of resting T cell proliferation in the presence of a comitogen; and the enhancement of NK cell proliferation. Current evidence indicates that IL-12 is a key mediator of cellular immunity and induces the differentiation of Th1 cells from precursor T helper cells. Based on its activities, it has been suggested that IL-12 may have therapeutic potential as a vaccine adjuvant that promotes cellular immunity and as an antitumor and anti viral agent