Physiological role of IL-15 and IL-18 at the maternal-fetal interface.
We review recent studies of two cytokines IL-15 and IL-18, showing that they are the critical cytokines controlling uterine NK cell cytokine production and cytolytic potential. Further, IL-15 has been implicated in differentiation and proliferation of uterine NK cells, while IL-18 enhanced innate immunity and both Th1- and Th2-driven immune responses depending on the cytokine milieu. We addressed the possible role of these two cytokines in induction of the IFN-gamma production as a key molecule in vascular remodeling during early pregnancy.
Laskarin
Gordana
G
Department of Physiology and Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.
Strbo
Natasa
N
Crncic
Tatjana Bogovic
TB
Juretic
Koraljka
K
Bataille
Nathalie Ledee
NL
Chaouat
Gerard
G
Rukavina
Daniel
D
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000378:metabolism*; D020382:Interleukin-18 / Q000378:metabolism*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D011247:Pregnancy; D014599:Uterus / Q000276:immunology
D016207:Cytokines; D019409:Interleukin-15; D020382:Interleukin-18