IL12B
Description
The IL12B (interleukin 12B) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 5.
IL-12B, also known as IL-12 subunit p40, is a protein subunit encoded by the IL12B gene in humans. It is a common subunit of interleukin 12 and interleukin 23. IL-12B is expressed by activated macrophages and serves as a crucial inducer of Th1 cell development. It is important for maintaining sufficient memory/effector Th1 cells to provide long-term protection against intracellular pathogens. Overexpression of IL12B has been observed in the central nervous system of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), suggesting its role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The promoter polymorphism of this gene has been linked to the severity of atopic and non-atopic asthma in children.
IL-12B acts as a growth factor for activated T and NK cells, enhances the lytic activity of NK/lymphokine-activated killer cells, and stimulates the production of IFN-gamma by resting PBMC.
IL12B is also known as CLMF, CLMF2, IL-12B, IMD28, IMD29, NKSF, NKSF2.
