Description
IL-12 plays a role in resistance against pathogens via the differentiation of naive T cells into Th1 cells. It stimulates the growth and function of T cells, blocks formation of new blood vessels, and contributes to antimycobacterial immune response. In addition, it promotes the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α and reduces IL-4 mediated suppression of IFN-γ. Consequently, this enhances the immunostimulatory and immunomodulatory effects of IFN-γ. In addition, there appears to be a link between IL-2 and the signal transduction of IL-12 in NK cells, which enhances the functional response of IL-12 via IFN-γ production and killing of target cells. Furthermore, IL-12 is thought to be associated with autoimmunity. IL-12 was shown to worsen the condition when administered to people already suffering from autoimmune diseases. Comparatively, inhibition of IL-12 (either through IL-12 gene knock-out in mice or treatment of mice with IL-12 mAbs) improved the disease