title: The toxicology of interleukin-12: a review.
abstract: Recombinant murine interleukin (IL)-12 (rmIL-12) exhibits antitumor, antiviral, and antimicrobial activities and can modify allergic inflammatory reactions in animal models. Recombinant human IL-12 (rhIL-12) is currently in clinical trials for treatment of cancer, asthma, and viral hepatitis. Principally a phagocyte-derived cytokine, IL-12 targets natural killer cells and T lymphocytes, stimulating their activity and the secretion of interferon (IFN)-gamma. An understanding of the toxicology of IL-12, due in part to effects mediated by IFN-gamma, has emerged from preclinical safety and mechanistic studies and initial clinical trials. Target organs common to several animal species and humans include the lymphohematopoietic system, intestines, liver, and lung.
authors.affiliation: Safety Assessment, DuPont Pharmaceuticals Company, Newark, Delaware 19714-0030, USA. bruce.d.car.2@dupontpharma.com
authors.forename: B D
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Car
authors.forename: V M
authors.initials: VM
authors.lastname: Eng
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Lipman
authors.forename: T D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004353:Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; D006801:Humans; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000633:toxicity*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000633:toxicity
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D018664:Interleukin-12