Interleukin 15: its role in inflammation and immunity

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a 4 alpha-helix-bundle cytokine.
• IL-15 shares biological activities with IL-2 via shared receptor components.
• IL-15 utilizes the IL-2 receptor complex's beta/gamma polypeptides and its own high-affinity receptor subunit, IL-15R alpha.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effects of IL-15 on immune and non-immune cells.
• To highlight the role of IL-15 in host defense, immunity, and inflammation.
• To support IL-15's central role in orchestrating effector functions.

Main Methods:

• Review of accumulating evidence and published research.
• Analysis of IL-15 and IL-15R alpha expression patterns.
• Examination of IL-15's involvement in various physiological and pathological conditions.

Main Results:

• IL-15's biological relevance extends beyond T lymphocytes to diverse cell populations.
• IL-15 and IL-15R alpha expression is widespread and augmented by stimuli and infections.
• IL-15 is implicated in protective immunity, allograft rejection, and autoimmune disease pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

• IL-15 plays a significant role in orchestrating immune and inflammatory responses.
• The cytokine is integral to effector functions in host defense.
• IL-15's broad cellular targets underscore its importance in systemic immunity.