The role of IL-12 in the induction of organ-specific autoimmune diseases.
The concept that T cells are subdivided into T helper 1 (Th1) and Th2 subsets was recently extended to suggest that Th1 cells contribute to the pathogenesis of several organ-specific autoimmune diseases, whereas Th2 cells inhibit disease development. Here, Sylvie Trembleau and colleagues examine the role of interleukin 12 (IL-12), a key cytokine guiding the development of Th1 cells, in the induction of autoimmune diseases, and discuss potential immunointervention strategies based on administration of IL-12 antagonists.
Trembleau
S
S
Roche Milano Ricerche, Italy.
Germann
T
T
Gately
M K
MK
Adorini
L
L
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001168:Arthritis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D003094:Collagen / Q000633:toxicity; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000276:immunology; D015195:Drug Design; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016219:Immunotherapy, Adoptive; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology* / Q000633:toxicity; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D016688:Mice, Inbred NOD; D018448:Models, Immunological; D009928:Organ Specificity / Q000276:immunology*; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D018664:Interleukin-12; D003094:Collagen