Interleukin 23
Interleukin 23 (IL-23) is a cytokine that plays a crucial role in the immune system. It is involved in inflammatory responses and is important for the functioning of the immune system.
Pronunciation
Interleukin 23 is pronounced as /ˌɪntərˈluːkɪn twen-tee-three/
Etymology
The term "Interleukin" is derived from "inter-", a prefix meaning "between", and "leukin", which is derived from "leukocyte", the term for white blood cells. The number 23 refers to the order in which this interleukin was discovered.
Function
IL-23 is produced by dendritic cells and macrophages in response to pathogen entry into the body. It plays a key role in the immune response to infections, particularly bacterial and fungal infections. IL-23 stimulates the production of other cytokines, such as IL-17, from T cells and natural killer cells, which in turn stimulate the immune response.
Clinical significance
Abnormal levels of IL-23 are associated with autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Therapies that target IL-23 have been developed for the treatment of these diseases.
Related terms
- Cytokine
- Dendritic cell
- Macrophage
- T cell
- Natural killer cell
- Interleukin 17
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease
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