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INTERLEUKIN 23 (IL-23)
GENE EXPRESSION

OVERVIEW EXPLANATION

IL-23 is a Cytokine (a signalling protein) that is an indicator whether either viral and/or bacterial infections are present. It is also possible to associate IL-23 with the indirect development of pro-inflammatory Cytokines that lead to other pathological conditions such as Diabetes and multiple sclerosis. High quantities of IL-23 is a clear indication that some form of infection is present and, in the case of a cancer, that there is tumour growth. Conversely, low quantities can be construed to be a good sign as it indicates that one of the major factors that contributes to Inflammation, the Auto-immune pathologies and tumour development is absent.

DETAILED EXPLANATION

IL-23 is a Cytokine which contains two sub units, one of which is unique to IL-23 and another is similar to IL-12. IL-23 is produced by immunological cells, such as dendritic cells and macrophages, in response to infectious species, including certain types of bacteria and viruses and/or their components. IL-23 induces the earliest recruitment of neutrophils to the site of infection. IL-23 also is involved in the development and maintenance of immunological T cells which produce a number of pro-inflammatory Cytokines
(IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-6 and TNF-α).

The development of a number of Auto-immune diseases are followed by the effects of IL-23 on IL-17 producing T cells. These diseases include arthritis, Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease etc. IL-23 also plays a role in increased tumour growth that is associated with chronic Inflammation. This assay is designed to evaluate the level of activity of one of the major factors involved in the development of severe Auto-immune pathologies.

High IL-23 quantities indicate the presence of bacterial / viral infections complicated by Inflammation and the development of an Auto-immune disorder although it may yet to develop. In the case of a cancer, it is associated with the promotion of a tumour growth. Low quantities indicate an absence of one of the major factors contributing to the development of chronic Inflammation and Auto-immune pathologies.

APPLICATION

This assay will provide extremely valuable and accurate information relating to the following pathological conditions :-

- Infections and Auto-immune diseases.
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