Interleukin-12 (IL-12), also known as IL-12p70, cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor (CLMF) and natural killer cell stimulatory factor (NKSF), is primarily produced by dendritic cells and macrophages in response to bacterial pathogens [1,2]. It promotes Th1 responses and is a powerful inducer of interferon gamma (IFN-γ). IL-12 is a heterodimeric 70 kDa cytokine composed of two subunits, p35 and p40.
Recombinant human IL-12 is produced in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells transfected with a fusion gene encoding the p35 and p40 subunits linked by a decapeptide containing two elastin motifs. These transfected cells produce and secrete biologically active IL-12. The recombinant protein is purified by size exclusion chromatography.
The activity of recombinant human IL-12 can be monitored in HEK-Blue™ IL-12 cells which express a STAT4-inducible SEAP reporter gene.
References:
- Vignali DA. & Kuchroo VK., 2012. IL-12 family cytokines: immunological playmakers. Nat Immunol. 13(8):722-8.
- Trinchieri G.,1995. Interleukin-12: a proinflammatory cytokine with immunoregulatory functions that bridge innate resistance and antigen-specific adaptive immunity. Annu Rev Immunol. 13:251-76.
