IL-12 is considered a critical proinflammatory cytokine for autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). IL-12 is a heterodimer composed of a p35 subunit and a common p40 subunit shared by other cytokines. Interleukin (IL)-12p75 is a heterodimeric cytokine composed of the product of two different genes that specify p35 and p40 subunits. Both IL-12 p40(-/-) and p35(-/-) mice fail to produce IL-12 p75 heterodimer. Studies show that a molecule other than IL-12 p75, which uses the p40 subunit, fulfills the functions previously attributed to IL-12 with regard to the development and pathogenesis of this autoimmune disease.

The antibody is stable for at least 1 year from the date of receipt when stored at -20°C to -70°C. Reconstituted antibody can also be aliquotted and stored at 4°C for 1 month or at -20°C to -70°C in a manual defrost freezer for many months without detectable loss activity. Please avoid freeze-thaw cycles.

This antibody was selected for its ability to detect mouse IL-12 in ELISA and Array. In ELISA, this antibody shows reactivity with IL-12 p40 and no cross-reactivity with murine IL-10 and other tested proteins.