BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES AND POTENTIAL CLINICAL-APPLICATIONS OF INTERLEUKIN-12

Interleukin 12 is a unique cytokine that displays a multitude of biolo gical effects on immune system function. Its central role in the regul ation of both innate and specific immune responses is exemplified by i ts ability to activate natural killer and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, enh ance production of interferon-gamma, induce antigen-specific T helper type 1 responses, and modulate the profile of antibody isotypes produc ed during humoral responses. The potential clinical utility of these v aried properties is currently being investigated in animal models and human clinical trials. Several reports have described the possible adv antages of treatment with interleukin 12 in diseases ranging from para sitic and bacterial infections to human acquired immunodeficiency dise ase and cancer. Here, we review the basic biological properties of int erleukin 12, including its structure, production, and immunoregulatory properties, and discuss the potential clinical applications of this c ytokine.