Molecular cloning of cat interleukin 12

Abstract

The recently discovered interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric 70000 Mr cytokine composed of a disulphide-bonded 35000 Mr (p35) subunit and a 40000 Mr (p40) subunit. Produced mainly by activated monocytes/macrophages and B cells, it enhances NK/LAK cell cytolytic activity and stimulates cytotoxic T-cell responses and IFN-γ production. It is therefore a key regulatory molecule in T-helper-cell type-1 (Th-1)-driven immune responses that are considered necessary for the elimination of intracellular pathogens.