The role of IL-12 in stimulating NK cells against Toxoplasma gondii infection: a mini-review

Toxoplasma gondii is an intracellular protozoan parasite that can remarkably infect, survive, and replicate in almost all mammalian cells and can cause severe neurological and ocular damage in immunocompromised individuals. It is known that Natural Killer cells (NK cells), as a type of cytotoxic lymphocyte, have critical protective roles in innate immunity during the T. gondii infection through releasing interferon gamma (IFN-gamma). Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a pivotal critical cytokine for the generation of IFN-gamma-producing NK cells. Several studies have shown cytokines' impact on NK cell activation; and IL-2 has an important role with a potent stimulatory factor for NK cells. In this review, we summarized the mechanism of interleukin-12 production stimulation by T. gondii tachyzoites and discussed several factors affecting this mechanism.

Automated summary

Natural Killer cells play a crucial protective role during Toxoplasma gondii infection by releasing interferon gamma. Interleukin 12 is a critical cytokine for generating IFN-gamma-producing NK cells, and IL-2 is an important stimulatory factor for NK cells. Factors affecting the stimulation of interleukin-12 production by T. gondii tachyzoites were also discussed in the review.