IL12B

Function

Cytokine that can act as a growth factor for activated T and NK cells, enhance the lytic activity of NK/lymphokine-activated killer cells, and stimulate the production of IFN-gamma by resting PBMC.

Associates with IL23A to form the IL-23 interleukin, a heterodimeric cytokine which functions in innate and adaptive immunity. IL-23 may constitute with IL-17 an acute response to infection in peripheral tissues. IL-23 binds to a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of IL12RB1 and IL23R, activates the Jak-Stat signaling cascade, stimulates memory rather than naive T-cells and promotes production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. IL-23 induces autoimmune inflammation and thus may be responsible for autoimmune inflammatory diseases and may be important for tumorigenesis (By similarity).

Sequence Similarities

Belongs to the IL-12B family.

Cellular localization

• Secreted

Alternative names

Interleukin-12 subunit beta, IL-12B, Cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor 40 kDa subunit, IL-12 subunit p40, CLMF p40, IL12B

Database links

swissprot:Q28938 entrezGene:397076

Other research areas

• Immuno-oncology