title: Trans-presentation: a novel mechanism regulating IL-15 delivery and responses.
abstract: Interleukin (IL)-15 is a cytokine that acts on a wide range of cell types but is most crucial for the development, homeostasis, and function of a specific group of immune cells that includes CD8 T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and CD8 alpha alpha intraepithelial lymphocytes. IL-15 signals are transmitted through the IL-2/15R beta and common gamma (gamma C) chains; however, it is the delivery of IL-15 to these signaling components that is quite unique. As opposed to other cytokines that are secreted, IL-15 primarily exists bound to the high affinity IL-15R alpha. When IL-15/IL-15R alpha complexes are shuttled to the cell surface, they can stimulate opposing cells through the beta/gamma C receptor complex. This novel mechanism of IL-15 delivery has been called trans-presentation. This review discusses how the theory of trans-presentation came to be, evidence that it is the major mechanism of action, the current understanding of the cell types thought to mediate trans-presentation, and possible alternatives for IL-15 delivery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: Spencer W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Stonier
authors.forename: Kimberly S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Schluns
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D025461:Feedback, Physiological; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007156:Immunologic Memory; D053631:Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D021381:Protein Transport / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D053631:Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit; D019409:Interleukin-15