Distinct subunit pairing criteria within the heterodimeric IL-12 cytokine family.

ABSTRACT: The heterodimeric IL-12 cytokine family is characterized by the sharing of three α (p19, p28, p35) and two β (p40 and Ebi3) subunits, and includes IL-12 (p35/p40), IL-23 (p19/p40), IL-27 (p28/Ebi3) and IL-35 (p35/Ebi3). In this study, the dimerization interfaces of IL-12 family members were characterized, with emphasis on IL-35. Ebi3 and p35 subunits from human and mouse paired effectively with each other, indicating there is no species barrier to IL-35 dimerization and suggesting a conserved dimerization interface. Specific p35 residues that contribute to formation of the IL-12 interface were assessed for their contribution to the IL-35 interface, and candidate Ebi3 residues were screened for their contribution to both IL-27 and IL-35 interfaces. Several residues were identified as critic

SUBMITTER: Jones LL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3341524 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature