Expression of IL-15 and IL-15 receptor isoforms in select structures of human fetal brain.
IL-15, a key cytokine linking innate and acquired immunity, is expressed in many cell types and tissues. Recent data indicate constitutive expression of IL-15 in human neural cell lines and tissues. The aim of the present study was to examine the expression patterns of mRNA encoding IL-15 and IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Ralpha) isoforms in select structures of human fetal brain. We report that mRNA for IL-15 and IL-15Ralpha isoforms were expressed in all tested brain structures: cerebral cortex, cerebellum, hippocampus, and thalamus. However, the levels of IL-15 and IL-15Ralpha mRNA were higher in the hippocampus and cerebellum in comparison with cortex and thalamus. Moreover, higher levels of cytosol in comparison with membrane-bound IL-15 isoform were present in all brain structures. The constitutive, but distinct, expression of IL-15 and its receptors in select human fetal brain structures suggests that IL-15 plays a role in their development and physiology.
Department of Pathophysiology and Immunology, Institute of Rheumatology, Warsaw, Poland.
M
M
Kurowska
W
W
Rudnicka
D
D
Maślińska
W
W
Maśliński
D001921:Brain / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism*; D002531:Cerebellum / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000235:genetics; D005326:Fetal Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D005865:Gestational Age; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D021122:Protein Subunits; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D053647:Receptors, Interleukin-15; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D013788:Thalamus / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism
D005326:Fetal Proteins; C508024:IL15RA protein, human; D019409:Interleukin-15; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D021122:Protein Subunits; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D053647:Receptors, Interleukin-15; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2