IFN-γ induced by IL-12 administration prevents diabetes by inhibiting pathogenic IL-17 production in NOD mice

► Intermittent treatment with IL-12 reduced insulitis and prevented diabetes. ► Sustained production of the IL-17 contributed to the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes. ► Intermittent treatment with IL-12 enhanced the production of protective IFN-γ. ► IFN-γ induced by IL-12 strongly inhibits pathogenic IL-17-producing cells in NOD mice.