IL-12 and Autoimmunity
IL-12 is linked with autoimmunity. Administration of IL-12 to people suffering from autoimmune diseases was shown to worsen the autoimmune phenomena. This is believed to be due to its key role in induction of Th1 immune responses. In contrast, IL-12 gene knock-out in mice or a treatment of mice with IL-12 specific antibodies ameliorated the disease.
Results published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology from a study where mice that were bred to be allergic to peanuts, Interleukin-12 has been shown to not be present, suggesting that the molecule normally stops allergies to food developing. Further investigation is underway, to determine whether the results found in mice are as profound in humans.
Read more about this topic: Interleukin 12