Definition:

Associates with IL12B to form the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-23 that plays different roles in innate and adaptive immunity. Released by antigen-presenting cells such as dendritic cells or macrophages, binds to a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of IL12RB1 and IL23R to activate JAK2 and TYK2 which then phosphorylate the receptor to form a docking site leading to the phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT4. This process leads to activation of several pathways including p38 MAPK or NF-kappa-B and promotes the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-17A/IL17A. In turn, participates in the early and effective intracellular bacterial clearance. Promotes the expansion and survival of T-helper 17 cells, a CD4-positive helper T-cell subset that produces IL-17, as well as other IL-17-producing cells.