title: Role of common-gamma chain cytokines in NK cell development and function: perspectives for immunotherapy.
abstract: NK cells are components of the innate immunity system and play an important role as a first-line defense mechanism against viral infections and in tumor immune surveillance. Their development and their functional activities are controlled by several factors among which cytokines sharing the usage of the common cytokine-receptor gamma chain play a pivotal role. In particular, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 are the members of this family predominantly involved in NK cell biology. In this paper, we will address their role in NK cell ontogeny, regulation of functional activities, development of specialized cell subsets, and acquisition of memory-like functions. Finally, the potential application of these cytokines as recombinant molecules to NK cell-based immunotherapy approaches will be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Immunology Unit, Department of Translational Oncology, National Institute for Cancer Research, Largo R. Benzi 10, 16132 Genoa, Italy.
authors.forename: Raffaella
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Meazza
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Azzarone
authors.forename: Anna Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Orengo
authors.forename: Silvano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ferrini
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000276:immunology; D007167:Immunotherapy; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000276:immunology; D053631:Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit / Q000276:immunology*; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000276:immunology; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000276:immunology; D015851:Interleukin-7 / Q000276:immunology; D007378:Interleukins / Q000276:immunology*; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D000098546:Interleukin-21
chemical_list: D053631:Interleukin Receptor Common gamma Subunit; D019409:Interleukin-15; D007376:Interleukin-2; D015851:Interleukin-7; D007378:Interleukins; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D000098546:Interleukin-21