ELISpot Flex: Mouse IL-12/-23 p40 (ALP)

Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is, when biologically active, a heterodimer (p70) consisting of two covalently linked subunits, p35 and p40. IL-12 is produced by antigen-presenting cells, specifically dendritic cells, and macrophages. IL-12 is a proinflammatory cytokine that promotes Th1-type responses by inducing IFN-γ production and enhancing the proliferation and cytotoxicity of NK and T cells.

Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a disulfide-linked heterodimer that consists of a unique p19 subunit and the p40 subunit of IL-12. IL-23 is a proinflammatory cytokine, which is produced by macrophages and dendritic cells upon infections with certain pathogens. The IL-23 receptor is expressed on Th17 cells, and IL-23 is responsible for Th17 expansion and stabilization.

Since both IL-12 and IL-23 heterodimers comprise the p40 subunit, capture immunoassays based on antibodies to p40 will detect both cytokines. Such assays can also detect p40 monomers and dimers.