IL-12 Family Cytokines as Key Regulators of Systemic Autoimmunity: Emerging Therapeutic Insights.

Abstract

The interleukin-12 (IL-12) family of cytokines has emerged as an area of growing interest in immunology and systemic autoimmune disease (SAD) research. As a group of structurally related cytokines with diverse yet interconnected functions, these molecules occupy an important position at the interface of innate and adaptive immunity. Their biological complexity, together with their broad immunologic relevance, has made them a prominent subject of investigation in recent years. Within SADs, the IL-12 family has attracted increasing attention because of its wide association with immune-mediated processes across multiple clinical settings. From systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis to systemic sclerosis and Sjögren's syndrome, interest in this cytokine family reflects a broader effort to better understand the molecular networks that shape systemic immune dysregulation. In this regard, current knowledge continues to expand, linking cytokine biology with evolving concepts in disease characterization and clinical interpretation. Against this background, the aim of this article is to provide an integrated overview of the IL-12 family in systemic autoimmunity, while highlighting its potential clinical utility and emphasizing its promise as a relevant tool in the future management of SADs.