Abstract :
Interleukin 23 (IL-23) belongs to interleukin 6 super-family. IL-12/23 p40 is the common
subunit for them, which is covalently linked to either a p19 subunit to form IL-23 or a p35 subunit
to form IL-12. Both cytokines are mainly expressed by activating dendrite cells or
macrophages under the stimulation of pathogens. IL-23 was also reported to be secreted by
tumor associated macrophages in tumor microenvironment.
Interestingly, IL-23 spur different immune pathways. IL-12 induces IFN-?-producing Th1 cell
development and enhances cytotoxic, anti-microbial and anti-tumor responses; whereas IL-23
expands Th17 cells, which is mainly involved in the pathology of autoimmunity and chronic
inflammatory disease .
Keyword :
IL-23 signaling; prostatic cancer; STAT3