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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
09:03
Analysis of Human Natural Killer Cell Metabolism
Published on: June 22, 2020
Hepatic interleuklin 15 (IL-15) expression: implications for local NK/NKT cell homeostasis and development
L Golden-Mason1, A M Kelly, D G Doherty
1Education and Research Centre, St Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. lucy.golden@ucd.ie
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|September 18, 2004
Summary
Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is crucial for immune cell development and maintenance in the liver. Hepatic IL-15 levels increase significantly in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, suggesting a role in antiviral responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is vital for natural killer (NK) and NK T (NKT) cell development and memory T cell maintenance.
- The adult human liver contains significant NK and NKT-like cell populations, potentially originating from local hepatic stem cells.
- IL-15 and its receptor IL-2/IL-15Rbeta (CD122) are key players in lymphocyte homeostasis and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hepatic Interleukin 15 (IL-15) levels and IL-2/IL-15Rbeta expression on hepatic lymphocytes and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).
- To explore the role of IL-15 in the generation and maintenance of the hepatic lymphoid repertoire.
- To assess the potential involvement of IL-15 in host antiviral responses within the liver, particularly in Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for IL-15 transcripts.
- Immunohistochemistry for IL-15 protein localization.
- Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for IL-15 protein quantification.
- Flow cytometry for IL-2/IL-15Rbeta expression analysis on hepatic lymphocytes and HSCs.
Main Results:
- Normal hepatic IL-15 protein levels were measured at 0.43 ng/100 mg.
- HCV-infected liver tissue showed a significant increase in IL-15 protein (1.78 ng, P < 0.005).
- Monocytes and Kupffer cells were identified as primary IL-15 producers.
- Hepatic HSCs (61%), NK cells (80%), and CD56(+) T cells (45.8%) expressed IL-2/IL-15Rbeta.
- Constitutive IL-15 protein and receptor expression were detected on hepatic lymphocytes.
Conclusions:
- Constitutive IL-15 and IL-2/IL-15Rbeta expression in the liver supports the generation and maintenance of hepatic lymphocytes.
- Elevated IL-15 in HCV-infected livers suggests a role in antiviral immunity.
- IL-15 signaling may influence local lymphocyte activation and expansion within the liver.
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