IL-12 is involved in the differentiation of naive T cells into Th1 cells. It is known as a T cell-stimulating factor, which can stimulate the growth and function of T cells. It stimulates the production of interferon-gamma (IFN- gamma ) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- alpha) from T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, and reduces IL-4 mediated suppression of IFN- gamma . T cells that produce IL-12 have a coreceptor, CD30, which is associated with IL-12 activity. IL-12 plays an important role in the activities of natural killer cells and T lymphocytes. IL-12 mediates enhancement of the cytotoxic activity of NK cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
Lyophilized protein should be stored at -20˚C, though stable at room temperature for 3 weeks. Reconstituted protein solution can be stored at 4-7˚C for 2-7 days. Aliquots of reconstituted samples are stable at -20˚C for 3 months.