IL-23: changing the verdict on IL-12 function in inflammation and autoimmunity.
IL-12 and IL-23 are molecules mainly produced by activated accessory and antigen-presenting cells. The tools for studying the biology of IL-12 in man and laboratory rodents have greatly advanced our appreciation of the central role of this molecule in cell-mediated immunity and inflammation. In particular, IL-12 is thought to be the prime-regulator of TH1 development. Targeting what was thought to be IL-12 function in vivo, resulted in drastic amelioration of inflammation and autoimmunity firmly linking TH1 polarisation to autoimmune development. Upon discovery of IL-23 and the fact that the large subunit of IL-23 is shared by IL-12, the research community only begins to grasp that the features attributed to IL-12 and TH1 development in inflammation are, in fact, dependent on IL-23 and not on IL-12. Hence, the perception of IL-12 biology is, to a large extent, based on a mistaken identity. In this review, the authors provide an overview of their current understanding of IL-12 and IL-23 biology in inflammation and autoimmunity, and how this viewpoint has been readjusted over the past 15 years.
Kreymborg
Katharina
K
Department of Neurology, Universitätsspital/University of Zürich, Frauenklinikstrasse 10, CH-8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
Böhlmann
Ulrike
U
Becher
Burkhard
B
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000502:physiology*; D018664:Interleukin-12 / Q000502:physiology*; D053759:Interleukin-23; D053760:Interleukin-23 Subunit p19; D007378:Interleukins / Q000502:physiology*
C508840:IL23A protein, human; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D053759:Interleukin-23; D053760:Interleukin-23 Subunit p19; D007378:Interleukins; D018664:Interleukin-12