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, wherea s Th2 cells inhibit disease development. Here, Sylvie Trembleau and co lleagues examine the role of interleukin 12 (IL-12), a Key cytokine gu iding the development of Th1 cells, in the induction of autoimmune dis eases, and discuss potential immunointervention strategies based on ad ministration of IL-12 antagonists.