IL12A

IL12A, or interleukin 12A, alias NKSF1, IL-12p35, etc. It is a cytokine encoded by the IL12A gene, which is the alpha subunit of interleukin 12 (IL-12), and together with the p40 subunit (encoded by the IL12B gene), it constitutes a biologically active IL-12 heterodimer.IL12A is expressed in a wide variety of cells, including monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. Its mechanism of action is mainly to activate the JAK-STAT signaling pathway by binding to the IL-12 receptor, especially by promoting the phosphorylation of STAT4, which promotes the differentiation of T cells to Th1 cells and enhances the cell-mediated immune response.The biological significance of IL12A is mainly reflected in its regulatory effect on the immune system.

It promotes the development and activation of Th1 cells and enhances the cytotoxicity of NK cells and T cells, thus playing an important role in the resistance against intracellular pathogens and tumor cells. In addition, IL12A is involved in the regulation of inflammatory responses and autoimmune diseases. Due to its key role in immune response, IL12A is also considered an important target for the development of immunomodulatory therapeutics.