A cytokine derived from B lymphocytes and macrophages that induces γ-interferon (IFNγ) gene expression and IL-2 in T lymphocytes and NK cells and down regulates TH2 cytokines.
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(IL-12) a heterodimeric cytokine produced by phagocytic cells, B cells, and other antigen-presenting cell types; it is a potent inducer of cytokine production, causes T and NK cells to secrete interferon-γ, is a growth factor for preactivated T and NK cells, and enhances cytotoxic activity in CD8+ T cells and NK cells. It also has a role in the generation of T-helper type 1 cells and in the differentiation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes.Medical dictionary. 2011.