Molecular cloning and sequencing of the rat interleukin-12 p40 gene.

The nucleotide sequences containing the rat interleukin-12 p40 gene was determined. Sequencing revealed the presence of six exons and five introns. Analysis of the 5' non-coding region showed the presence of several possible sites involved in cytokine gene regulation at the transcriptional level. Comparison of the deduced amino acid sequence of rat IL-12 p40 with that of the mouse and of human p40, showed 92% and 65% identity respectively.