Expression of Difficult-to-Express Proteins, Human IL-12 and IFN-γ

It is known to be that lactic acid bacteria induce the IL-12. IL-12 activates NK cells and promotes the production of IFN-γ. IFN-γ activates macrophages, resulting in enhanced phagocytosis and bactericidal activity. We have been investigating fermented foods that activate the immune function. For that purpose, a specific antibody is required. We tried to express IL-12p35 by the usual method, but IL-12p35 was not expressed at all. In the present study, we constructed, purified human IL-12p35 and obtained a specific antibody against IL-12p35. We also purified human IFN-γ and obtained specific antibody against IFN-γ. We have established a method for expressing poorly expressed proteins. The method we have established can be applied to the purification of poorly expressed proteins and antibody production.