Human Interleukin 23 (IL23) Protein

Background

Interleukin 23A (IL23A), also referred to as IL-23, is a heterodimeric cytokine that plays a pivotal role in immune regulation, inflammation, and host defense. It is a member of the IL-12 cytokine family, which is integral to bridging the innate and adaptive immune systems. IL-23 is predominantly produced by antigen-presenting cells (such as dendritic cells and macrophages) and acts mainly on T cells, specifically promoting the differentiation, expansion, and maintenance of Th17 cells. IL-23 is essential for chronic inflammation and has been implicated in several autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Unlike its close relative IL-12, which promotes Th1 responses and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, IL-23 plays a critical role in the IL-23/Th17 axis, influencing the production of IL-17 and other pro-inflammatory cytokines that contribute to tissue inflammation