Interleukin-12 (IL-12)

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine encoded by two separate genes, IL-12A (p35) and IL-12B (p40). The active heterodimer (referred to as 'p70'), and a homodimer of p40 are formed following protein synthesis.

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine and a crucial factor for Th1 polarization
Dostert et al. 2013

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is produced in:

• Monocytes


• Macrophages (CD68s)


• Neutrophils / Neutrophilic Granulocytes


• Microglia


• Dendritic Cells (DCs)


• B cells / B Lymphocytes


• Natural killer cells (NK cells)


• Keratinocytes

Trinchieri, 2003
Souza et al., 2013
Akdis et al. 2016 J Allergy Clin Immunol 138: 984-1010
Lubbers et al. 2017 Clin Exp Immunol 188: 183-194

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) produced by the APCs (antigen presenting cells) binds to the Interleukin-12 Receptor (IL-12R) on T cells and activates the Th1 transcription factor Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4).

The active heterodimer of Interleukin-12 (IL-12), IL-12p70, is a crucial factor for development of type-1 immunity and anticancer response.
Trinchieri, 2003

IL-12 promotes the differentiation of Th1 cells
Vanderlugt et al., 1998

see also:
Dendritic Cells (DCs) & Interleukin-12 (IL-12)
IL-12p70