title: Role of IL-15 in immune-mediated and infectious diseases.
abstract: IL-15 has a broad spectrum of biological activities. It is crucial for the development, proliferation, survival and differentiation of multiple cells from both innate and adaptive immune systems. However, IL-15 up-regulation has a central role in the development of several autoimmune or chronic inflammatory disorders. Therefore, targeting IL-15 or its receptor may have a valuable impact on the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. On the other hand, in some infectious diseases, IL-15 production is compromised but IL-15 given exogenously can potentially enhance immune responses to pathogens. Here, we discuss the current understanding of IL-15 role in immune-mediated and infectious diseases as well as its therapeutic use.
authors.affiliation: First Department of Medicine, S. Matteo Hospital, University of Pavia, Piazzale Golgi 5, 27100 Pavia, Italy. a.disabatino@smatteo.pv.it
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Sabatino
authors.forename: Sandra A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Calarota
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vidali
authors.forename: Thomas T
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Macdonald
authors.forename: Gino R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Corazza
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000378:metabolism; D007154:Immune System Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008954:Models, Biological; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D019409:Interleukin-15