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Biological properties of interleukin‐12 and its therapeutic use in persistent hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection
Author(s) -
Carreño V.,
Quiroga J. A.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of viral hepatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.329
H-Index - 100
eISSN - 1365-2893
pISSN - 1352-0504
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2893.1997.tb00184.x
Subject(s) - immune system , immunology , hepatitis b virus , virology , virus , adjuvant , antibody , biology , cytokine , interleukin 12 , in vitro , cytotoxic t cell , biochemistry
Summary. Interleukin (IL)‐12 is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by antigen‐presenting cells in response to diverse stimuli. IL‐12 is a key molecule in the regulation of host's immune responses. In particular, IL‐12 influences the balance between the T‐helper cells type 1 (TH 1 ) and type 2 (TH 2 ); it modulates macrophage responses through the control of interferon‐gamma synthesis by TH 1 cells; and, suppresses IgE class antibody production (has a suppressive effect on allergic reactions) and promotes a shift in the IgG subclasses. IL‐12 enhances resistance to several infectious diseases, is a powerful antitumor agent in vivo , and acts as a vaccine adjuvant. The biological properties of IL‐12 point to the potential therapeutic use in persistent hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection.