IL23A
IL23A (interleukin 23 subunit alpha, also known as IL-23A, IL23P19, P19 and SGRF) is the alpha subunit of the secreted pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-23. It pairs with IL12B to form the active heterodimer, which shapes innate and adaptive immune responses. Browse Assay Genie's current range of IL23A research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
IL23A does not act alone. It associates with IL12B, the p40 subunit shared with IL-12, to form the heterodimeric cytokine IL-23. Antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages release IL-23, which binds a receptor complex made of IL12RB1 and IL23R. Receptor engagement activates JAK2 and TYK2, which phosphorylate the receptor and create a docking site for STAT3 and STAT4 phosphorylation. Downstream pathways include p38 MAPK and NF-kappa-B, and the output includes pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-17A.
IL-23 promotes the expansion and survival of T-helper 17 cells, a CD4-positive helper T-cell subset that produces IL-17, as well as other IL-17-producing cells. It also participates in early and effective intracellular bacterial clearance. Like IL-12, IL-23 can activate STAT4 and stimulate interferon-gamma production. The two cytokines differ in their targets: IL-12 acts mainly on naive CD4-positive T cells, whereas IL-23 preferentially acts on memory CD4-positive T cells.
The human IL23A gene encodes the IL23A protein, which belongs to the IL-6 superfamily. HGNC places it in the interleukin 12 type subunit group. Earlier names include interleukin 23, alpha subunit p19, and the mouse and rat orthologues are both called Il23a. Researchers studying IL-23 biology often work with the IL23A subunit alongside IL12B and the IL23R and IL12RB1 receptor chains.
IL-23 promotes the expansion and survival of T-helper 17 cells and other IL-17-producing cells, making IL23A central to this lineage.
IL-23 signals through IL12RB1 and IL23R, activating JAK2, TYK2, STAT3 and STAT4, with p38 MAPK and NF-kappa-B pathways downstream.
IL-23 released by dendritic cells and macrophages contributes to both innate and adaptive responses, including early intracellular bacterial clearance.
Unlike IL-12, IL-23 preferentially acts on memory CD4-positive T cells, offering a way to compare the two related cytokines.
IL23A is the p19 subunit of IL-23. Paired with IL12B, it forms a secreted cytokine that signals through IL12RB1 and IL23R, activates JAK2, TYK2, STAT3 and STAT4, promotes IL-17A production, and supports the expansion and survival of T-helper 17 cells.
Aliases include SGRF, IL23P19, IL-23, IL-23A and P19. The previous HGNC name was interleukin 23, alpha subunit p19. The name IL-23 usually refers to the full IL23A and IL12B heterodimer, whereas IL23A names the alpha subunit alone.
Yes. Mouse and rat both have an orthologous gene, Il23a. UniProt classes the protein in the IL-6 superfamily. For any specific product, check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other interleukins, IL-12 family partners and IL-17 pathway cytokines linked to IL23A biology, with products at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt Q9NPF7; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.