Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables identical protein binding activity and interleukin-12 alpha subunit binding activity. Contributes to cytokine activity and cytokine receptor binding activity. Involved in positive regulation of T cell mediated cytotoxicity; positive regulation of T-helper 1 type immune response; and positive regulation of defense response to virus by host. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including cellular response to lipopolysaccharide; defense response to other organism; and positive regulation of type II interferon production. Located in cell surface; cytoplasm; and extracellular space. Part of interleukin-12 complex and interleukin-23 complex. Is expressed in colon. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in asthma; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; immunodeficiency 29; and salmonellosis. Orthologous to human IL12B (interleukin 12B).