Description
IL-12 is a member of the IL-12 family, which includes IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, and IL-35. Like other IL-12 family members, IL-12 is a heterodimeric cytokine. IL-12 is encoded by two separate genes, IL-12A (p35) and IL-12B (p40). The active heterodimer, and a homodimer of p40 are formed following protein synthesis. IL-12 is involved in the differentiation of naive T cells into Th1 cells. It is known as a T cell-stimulating factor, which can stimulate the growth and function of T cells. It stimulates the production of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha from T and natural killer (NK) cells, and reduces IL-4 mediated suppression of IFN-gamma