IL-12 receptor deficiency leads to reduced production of which cytokine?

Study for the NBME Immunology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Prepare to excel!

Multiple Choice

IL-12 receptor deficiency leads to reduced production of which cytokine?

Explanation:
Interleukin-12 signaling drives interferon-γ production by NK cells and Th1 cells and promotes Th1 differentiation. When the IL-12 receptor is defective, this signaling is impaired, so NK cells and Th1 cells produce much less interferon-γ even in the presence of IL-12. This reduced IFN-γ is key because it impairs activation of macrophages to kill intracellular pathogens like mycobacteria. So the cytokine whose production is diminished is interferon-γ.

Interleukin-12 signaling drives interferon-γ production by NK cells and Th1 cells and promotes Th1 differentiation. When the IL-12 receptor is defective, this signaling is impaired, so NK cells and Th1 cells produce much less interferon-γ even in the presence of IL-12. This reduced IFN-γ is key because it impairs activation of macrophages to kill intracellular pathogens like mycobacteria. So the cytokine whose production is diminished is interferon-γ.

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