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Interleukin-12

Clinical Potential in Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Cancer

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Summary

Interleukin (IL)-12 is a heterodimeric cytokine produced by phagocytic cells, T cells and other antigen-presenting cells, mostly in response to bacteria, bacterial products and intracellular parasites. IL-12 is active on T cells and natural killer cells, inducing production of cytokines, proliferation and enhancement of cytotoxic activity. Early during infections, IL-12 production induces interferon-γ (IFNγ), which in turn activates phagocytic cells and enhances their bacteriological activity. IL-12 and IFNγ also direct the development of T helper type 1 (TH1) cells, which produce interleukin-2 and IFNγ and activate cell-mediated resistance mechanisms against many pathogens.

In several experimental models of infection, treatment with recombinant IL-12 has been shown to increase the immune resistance against infection. IL-12 is also an effective adjuvant in vaccines, favouring the development of protective TH1 memory responses. The ability of IL-12 to enhance the cellular immune response also makes it an effective agent for boosting the immune resistance against tumours. Thus, IL-12 has clinical potential as a therapeutic agent in infectious diseases and cancer. The immunopotentiating activity of IL-12, and the fact that cells from HIV-positive patients have a decreased ability to produce this cytokine, suggest the possible clinical use of IL-12 in AIDS therapy.

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  1. The Wistar Institute of Anatomy and Biology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

    Giorgio Trinchieri

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Trinchieri, G. Interleukin-12. Clin. Immunother. 3, 262–270 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03259278

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