Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a member of the IL-12 cytokine family, which includes IL-12, IL-23, IL-27, IL-35 and IL-39. Both IL-12 and IL-23 are composite cytokines, sharing a common IL-12 p40 subunit and IL-12Rβ1 receptor. Cytokine specificity is derived from the unique IL-12 p35 subunit binding to IL-12Rβ2 and the IL-23p19 subunit binding to IL-23R. Both p35 and p40 genes need to be expressed within the same cell to produce the active heterodimer and subsequent IL-12 signaling. IL-12 is secreted following stimulation of phagocytes and dendritic cells by bacteria and other microorganisms.
The IL-12 Bioassay is a bioluminescent cell-based assay designed to measure IL-12 stimulation or inhibition. The IL-12 Bioassay Cells have been engineered to express luc2P in response to IL-12 signaling. When IL-12 binds to IL-12 Bioassay Cells, the receptor transduces intracellular signals resulting in luminescence. The bioluminescent signal is detected and quantified using Bio-Glo™ Reagent.