Indicator Explainer
Interleukin-12
Exhibiting a broad range of biological activities on T and natural killer cells, Interleukin-12 is a disulfide-bonded heterodimeric cytokine composed of a 35-kD IL12A subunit (IL-6 Superfamily) and a 40-kDa IL12B subunit (Type I Cytokine Receptor 3 Family). IL12 stimulates T-cell-independent production of IFN-gamma by PBMCs, enhances NK cell lytic activity, acts as a growth factor for T- and NK-cells, and is important for Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation. Lymphocyte responses to IL12 require NOS2A and are mediated by STAT4 activator of transcription. (NCI)
This page explains what the indicator is and how results are interpreted in general terms. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, the method, and your own situation — no single “normal value” applies to everyone. This page is health information, not a diagnosis. For symptoms, treatment, or urgent concerns, contact a healthcare professional.
When it is tested
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C20514. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0. Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-20. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Reading results
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
Also Known As
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Interleukin-12 (C20514)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C20514. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Cholesterol 25-Hydroxylase Deficiency Provides an Optimal and Durable Protective T Helper 1 Immunity via Interleukin-12-Interleukin-2 Axis in BCG-Vaccinated Mice. — MedComm (2020), 2026-09-30 (PMID 42819388; literature)
- Interleukin-12: Central Roles in Immune Regulation and Disease Therapy. — Immunol Cell Biol, 2026-09-30 (PMID 42813654; literature)
- Interleukin-35 Ameliorates Obesity-Associated Impairment of Endothelium-Dependent Vasodilation via the STAT3-MAPK/ERK-eNOS Signaling Axis. — Immun Inflamm Dis, 2026-10-01 (PMID 42910842; literature)