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European Cytokine Network

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Biological properties and therapeutic applications of interleukin-12 Volume 8, issue 3, September 1997

Author
  • Page(s) : 305-7
  • Published in: 1997

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine produced by phagocytic cells and antigen-presenting cells within a few hours of infection, particularly in the case of bacteria and intracellular parasites, and acts as a proinflammatory cytokine, activating natural killer (NK) cells, and, through its ability to induce interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production, enhancing the phagocytic and bactericidal activity of phagocytic cells and their ability to release proinflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, IL-12 produced during the early phases of infection and inflammation, sets the stage for the ensuing antigen-specific immune response, favoring differentiation and function of T helper type 1 (Th1) cells while inhibiting the differentiation of Th2 cells. Thus, IL-12 in addition to being a potent proinflammatory cytokine, is a key immunoregulatory molecule in Th1 responses.