title: Interleukin-2, interleukin-15, and their roles in human natural killer cells.
abstract: Natural killer (NK) cells are CD56+CD3- large granular lymphocytes that constitute a key component of the human innate immune response. In addition to their potent cytolytic activity, NK cells elaborate a host of immunoregulatory cytokines and chemokines that play a crucial role in pathogen clearance. Furthermore, interactions between NK and other immune cells are implicated in triggering the adaptive, or antigen-specific, immune response. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-15 are two distinct cytokines with partially overlapping properties that are implicated in the development, homeostasis, and function of NK cells. This review examines the pervasive effects of IL-2 and IL-15 on NK cell biology, with an emphasis on recent discoveries and lingering challenges in the field.
authors.affiliation: Medical Scientist Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Becknell
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Caligiuri
mesh_terms: D002454:Cell Differentiation; D006801:Humans; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000378:metabolism*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000378:metabolism*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D019409:Interleukin-15; D007376:Interleukin-2