IL‐12: Keeping Cell‐Mediated Immunity Alive

Abstract
Interleukin (IL)‐12 has dominated the field of cell‐mediated immunity since its discovery more than 10 years ago, and clearly plays an essential role in the development of Th1 cells under a variety of conditions. Recent studies now indicate that the importance of IL‐12 is not limited to initiating an immune response, but may contribute to maintaining immunity. Thus, Th1 responses rapidly wane in the absence of IL‐12, leading to a loss in protective immunity against intracellular pathogens, such as Leishmania and Toxoplasma. Determining how IL‐12 maintains Th1 cells, and consequently cell‐mediated immunity, will provide new insights useful in controlling the immune response, and may thus influence the design of new vaccines and immunotherapies.

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