Interleukin-12 Unit Converter

Interleukin-12 (IL-12) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a central role in coordinating the immune response. It acts as a bridge between the innate immune system (your body's first line of defense) and the adaptive immune system (the targeted response that develops over time).

The biologically active form, known as IL-12p70, is a heterodimer made up of two protein subunits: p35 and p40. These two subunits are produced by separate genes and must combine to form the functional cytokine. The p40 subunit is shared with another cytokine called IL-23, which is relevant to certain therapies that target both.

In healthy individuals, circulating IL-12p70 levels are extremely low, often below 2 pg/mL. Elevated levels generally indicate active immune stimulation or inflammation.

IL-12 is produced primarily by antigen-presenting cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and monocytes. Neutrophils and B cells also contribute smaller amounts, particularly during early immune responses to pathogens.