IL-15 and HIV infection: lessons for immunotherapy and vaccination.
IL-15 is a pleiotropic and multifunctional cytokine that has a diverse array of distinct biological effects in the body. It plays a crucial role in host defense from viral and non-viral intracellular pathogens. The cytokine is essential for the development and differentiation of NK cells and for homeostatic expansion of CD8+ memory T cells, NKT cells and certain subsets of intestinal intra-epithelial lymphocytes (iIEL). It acts as a survival factor and inhibits spontaneous apoptosis in T, B and NK cells by increasing expression of different anti-apoptotic proteins. Several studies have shown that IL-15 production is compromised in HIV-infected AIDS patients and exogenous IL-15 drastically enhances functions of immune cells from these patients. Considering these distinct immune enhancing effects, relative safety in animal models, and minimal effects on HIV replication, IL-15 may represent a better cytokine for immune reconstitution in these patients. Furthermore, IL-15 may also act as a better adjuvant in eliciting antiviral immunity in anti-HIV vaccine strategies.
Ahmad
Ali
A
Ste Justine Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. ali.ahmad@recherche-ste-justine.qc.ca
Ahmad
Rasheed
R
Iannello
Alexandre
A
Toma
Emil
E
Morisset
Richard
R
Sindhu
Sardar T A K
ST
D016915:AIDS Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007167:Immunotherapy; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053647:Receptors, Interleukin-15; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D012449:Safety
D016915:AIDS Vaccines; D016207:Cytokines; C508024:IL15RA protein, human; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D019409:Interleukin-15; D007376:Interleukin-2; D053647:Receptors, Interleukin-15; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2