利用细胞因子提高宿主免疫能力、破坏肿瘤细胞的免疫逃逸功能是肿瘤生物治疗的重要策略。IL-12细胞因子家族是具有高度同源性的一类异源二聚体细胞因子，包括IL-12、IL-23、IL-27和IL-35，它们均由活化的抗原提呈细胞如巨噬细胞和树突状细胞产生，在辅助性T细胞分化过程中起重要作用。IL-12通过活化ATAT4信号转导途径产生IFN-γ 促进细胞免疫反应；IL-27主要活化STAT1途径增强细胞和体液免疫反应；外源性IL-23可以产生抗肿瘤效应，而内源性IL-23通过活化STAT3诱导产生IL-17，从而促进肿瘤的发生和发展；IL-35可能是潜在的免疫抑制性细胞因子。总之，IL-12细胞因子家族成员在肿瘤免疫反应中各自发挥不同的作用，已成为肿瘤免疫治疗和研究的热点分子。

Cytokines, which can improve the host immunity and hamper the immune escape of tumor cells, have become an important strategy for tumor biotherapy. Interleukin (IL)-12 cytokine family is composed of heterodimeric cytokines, including IL-12, IL-23, IL-27 and IL-35; they are produced by antigen-presenting cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells and play critical roles in the differentiation of helper T (Th) cells. IL-12 induces IFN-γ production through activating signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 4 signaling pathway and enhances cellular immune response; IL-27 augments cellular and humoral immune responses through activating STAT1 pathway; exogenous IL-23 can produce anti-tumor effects, while endogenous IL-23 induces the production of IL-17 by activating STAT3, promoting development and progress of tumors; and IL-35 may be a potential immunosuppressive cytokine. In summary, IL-12 cytokine family plays distinct roles in anti-tumor immune responses and has become a focus of study in the research and immune therapy of tumors.

国家自然科学基金资助项目（No. 30772752）；国家“十一五”重大科技支撑计划资助项目（No. 2006BAI02A07）