$65.00 - $125.00
IL-23 is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of an IL-23 alpha subunit and an IL-12p40 subunit, which it shares with IL-12. It interacts with a receptor complex made up of IL-12R β1 and IL-23R.
Produced by antigen-presenting cells like dendritic cells and macrophages, IL-23 plays a significant role in both innate and adaptive immunity. Upon binding to its receptor, it activates JAK2 and TYK2, leading to phosphorylation of the receptor and subsequent activation of STAT3 and STAT4. This triggers pathways like p38 MAPK and NF-kappa-B, promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-17A. IL-23 is essential for the expansion and survival of T-helper 17 (Th17) cells, a subset of CD4-positive T cells that produce IL-17, and is important for effective clearance of intracellular bacterial infections.