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Published on: September 26, 2013
The interleukin-12/interleukin-12-receptor system: role in normal and pathologic immune responses
M K Gately1, L M Renzetti, J Magram
1Department of Inflammation/Autoimmune Diseases, Hoffmann-La Roche Inc., Nutley, New Jersey 07110, USA. maurice.gately@roche.com
Annual Review of Immunology
|May 23, 1998
Summary
Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is crucial for cell-mediated immunity and host defense against pathogens. However, it also contributes to immunopathology, suggesting therapeutic potential in autoimmune diseases and allergic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine
Background:
- Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a cytokine essential for type 1 T helper cell (Th1) responses and cell-mediated immunity.
- IL-12 exerts its effects via a receptor comprising beta 1 and beta 2 subunits, with beta 2 expression being key to controlling IL-12 responsiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the dual role of IL-12 in host defense and immunopathology.
- To explore the therapeutic implications of modulating IL-12 activity in various diseases.
Main Methods:
- Studies utilized neutralizing anti-IL-12 antibodies and IL-12-deficient mouse models.
- Analysis of IL-12's involvement in host defense against intracellular pathogens.
- Investigation of IL-12's role in the pathogenesis of immune-mediated diseases.
Main Results:
- Endogenous IL-12 is vital for effective host defense against intracellular pathogens.
- IL-12 is implicated in the development of certain immunopathological conditions.
- Modulating IL-12 activity shows potential for treating diseases driven by Th1 or Th2 responses.
Conclusions:
- IL-12 plays a critical, yet complex, role in immunity and disease.
- Targeting IL-12 offers a promising therapeutic strategy for conditions like multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, allergic disorders, and asthma.
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