| 背景信息 |
Interleukin 23 subunit alpha (IL23) is a four-helix bundle cytokine that heterodimerizes with the p40 subunit of IL-12 to form the functional IL-23 cytokine complex. Produced primarily by activated dendritic cells and macrophages, IL-23 plays a pivotal role in the maintenance and expansion of Th17 cells, which produce IL-17 and other pro-inflammatory mediators. The interaction between the alpha subunit and p40 is stabilized by a unique disulfide bond and a conserved arginine pocket interface. IL-23 signaling promotes chronic inflammation, angiogenesis, and the inhibition of regulatory T cells, thereby bridging innate and adaptive immunity. Clinically, IL-23 is a major therapeutic target in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, where its overexpression drives Th17-mediated tissue pathology. |