IL-23 (human) (rec.)

Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a heterodimeric cytokine and a member of the IL-12 family involved in innate and adaptive immunity. It is composed of the IL-12 p40 chain covalently linked to p19, a chain related to the IL-12 p35 subunit. IL-23 signals through the IL-23 receptor complex, which is composed of the IL-12Rbeta1 chain and a gp130-like chain, IL-23R. Triggering of the IL-23 receptor complex leads to the activation of Tyk2, Jak2 and STAT1, 3 and 4. IL-23 induces IFN-gamma production, Th1 cell differentiation, and activation of the antigen-presenting functions of dendritic cells. IL-23 induces autoimmune inflammation and thus may be responsible for autoimmune inflammatory diseases and important for tumorigenesis.