The IL-23 α protein is predicted to exhibit cytokine activity and contribute to interleukin-23 receptor binding. It is also anticipated to be involved in multiple processes, including the positive regulation of cytokine production, lymphocyte activation, and peptidyl-tyrosine phosphorylation. Additionally, it is expected to function upstream of T cell proliferation and in the positive regulation of RNA polymerase II transcription. This protein is localized in the extracellular space and is also predicted to be a component of the interleukin-23 complex. In terms of expression, it shows a bias toward the thymus （RPKM 15.2）, spleen （RPKM 11.9）, and nine other tissues. It shares orthology with the human *IL23A* gene, which encodes the interleukin-23 subunit alpha.