IL12A
GeneName
IL12A
Summary
IL12A, also known as IL-12 or IL-12 p40, is a 25 kDa cytokine that plays a critical role in the immune response. It is a subunit of the interleukin-12 complex, which is secreted and found in the extracellular region and space. IL12A is involved in various biological processes, including the positive regulation of lymphocyte proliferation and natural killer cell activation, as well as the cellular response to viral infections. It interacts with interleukin-12 receptors and is essential for mediating immune responses against pathogens, particularly Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, it has roles in regulating smooth muscle cell proliferation and angiogenesis.
Importance
IL12A is relevant to: - Cancer immunotherapy due to its role in enhancing T cell and natural killer cell responses against tumour cells - Autoimmune diseases through its involvement in regulating immune responses - Infectious diseases as it is crucial for the body’s defence against viral infections and certain bacteria - Angiogenesis and vascular biology owing to its effects on endothelial cell proliferation and blood vessel formation
Top Products
For researchers investigating IL12A, we highly recommend the top-selling recombinant monoclonal antibody, Anti-IL-12A antibody [EP5737] (ab131039). This antibody has been validated for use in flow cytometry (FC), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and western blotting (WB), making it a versatile tool for various experimental needs. With 16 citations, it demonstrates a solid reputation within the research community, reflecting its reliability and effectiveness in IL12A detection. This product is an excellent choice for those seeking consistent and high-quality results in their studies. The Recombinant human IL-12 p70 protein (Active) ELISA Kit (ab259418) is an excellent option for researchers looking to measure IL-12A in their experiments.
Abcam Product Citation Summary
The data indicates that the IL12A antibody (ab46035) was utilised to assess IL12A levels in human whole blood, highlighting its relevance in studies focused on cytokine changes, particularly in the context of stored blood.
Abcam Product Citation Table
Function
Heterodimerizes with IL12B to form the IL-12 cytokine or with EBI3/IL27B to form the IL-35 cytokine (PubMed:8605935, PubMed:8943050). IL-12 is primarily produced by professional antigen-presenting cells (APCs) such as B-cells and dendritic cells (DCs) as well as macrophages and granulocytes and regulates T-cell and natural killer-cell responses, induces the production of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), favors the differentiation of T-helper 1 (Th1) cells and is an important link between innate resistance and adaptive immunity (PubMed:1673147, PubMed:1674604, PubMed:8605935). Mechanistically, exerts its biological effects through a receptor composed of IL12R1 and IL12R2 subunits (PubMed:8943050). Binding to the receptor results in the rapid tyrosine phosphorylation of a number of cellular substrates including the JAK family kinases TYK2 and JAK2 (PubMed:7528775). In turn, recruited STAT4 gets phosphorylated and translocates to the nucleus where it regulates cytokine/growth factor responsive genes (PubMed:7638186). As part of IL-35, plays essential roles in maintaining the immune homeostasis of the liver microenvironment and functions also as an immune-suppressive cytokine (By similarity). Mediates biological events through unconventional receptors composed of IL12RB2 and gp130/IL6ST heterodimers or homodimers (PubMed:22306691). Signaling requires the transcription factors STAT1 and STAT4, which form a unique heterodimer that binds to distinct DNA sites (PubMed:22306691).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the IL-6 superfamily.
Cellular localization
- Secreted
Alternative names
NKSF1, IL12A, Interleukin-12 subunit alpha, IL-12A, Cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor 35 kDa subunit, IL-12 subunit p35, NK cell stimulatory factor chain 1, CLMF p35
Database links
Other research areas
- Immuno-oncology