Invitrogen™ Human IL-12 p35 Recombinant Protein

Interleukin 12A is a novel signaling cytokine belonging to the Interleukin-6 protein superfamily. Interleukin-12 alpha chain precursor (IL-12A) is a 35-kD subunit of disulfide-linked heterodimer of cytokine IL-12 and has a broad array of biological activities. Reports suggest that IL-12A can act as a growth factor for activated T and NK cells and enhance the lytic activity of NK/lymphokine-activated Killer cells. IL-12A stimulates the production of IFN-gamma by resting PBMC as well as T-cell-independent induction of interferon (IFN)-gamma, and helps in the differentiation of both Th1 and Th2 cells. It is also involved in positive regulation of tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat4 protein. The signaling process of IL-12A in innate immunity requires nitric oxide synthase 2A. Along with EBI3, IL-12A forms a novel heterodimeric cytokine, designated as interleukin-35 (IL-35), that may be specifically produced by T reg cells and is required for maximal suppressive activity.