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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Measurement of Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity and Migration in the Context of Hepatic Tumor Cells
Published on: February 22, 2020
Interleukin-2, interleukin-15, and their roles in human natural killer cells
Brian Becknell1, Michael A Caligiuri
1Medical Scientist Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Abstract:
Natural killer (NK) cells are CD56+CD3- large granular lymphocytes that constitute a key component of the human innate immune response. In addition to their potent cytolytic activity, NK cells elaborate a host of immunoregulatory cytokines and chemokines that play a crucial role in pathogen clearance. Furthermore, interactions between NK and other immune cells are implicated in triggering the adaptive, or antigen-specific, immune response. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-15 are two distinct cytokines with partially overlapping properties that are implicated in the development, homeostasis, and function of NK cells. This review examines the pervasive effects of IL-2 and IL-15 on NK cell biology, with an emphasis on recent discoveries and lingering challenges in the field.
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