IL-15/IL-15 receptor biology: a guided tour through an expanding universe.
The cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) has a key role in promoting survival, proliferation and activation of natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T cells. Despite its functional similarities to IL-2, IL-15 affects a wider range of target cell populations and utilizes different mechanisms of signaling. Here, we review recent advances in the IL-15-mediated signaling, and in the functional properties on cells besides T lymphocytes and NK cells. These are discussed in the context of their potential clinical and therapeutic relevance.
Budagian
Vadim
V
Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Research Center Borstel, D-23845 Borstel, Germany.
Bulanova
Elena
E
Paus
Ralf
R
Bulfone-Paus
Silvia
S
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D053647:Receptors, Interleukin-15; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction
C508024:IL15RA protein, human; D019409:Interleukin-15; D053647:Receptors, Interleukin-15; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2