Characterization of interleukin-15 (IL-15) and the IL-15 receptor complex

IL-15 interacts with a heterotrimeric receptor that consists of the beta and gamma subunits of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) as well as a specific, high-affinity IL-15-binding subunit, which is designated IL-15R alpha. Since both the beta and the gamma subunits of the IL-2R are required for signaling by...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of clinical immunology 1996-05, Vol.16 (3), p.134-143
Main Authors: KENNEDY, M. K, PARK, L. S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analysis of the immune response. Humoral and cellular immunity
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Fundamental immunology
Humans
Immunobiology
Interleukin-15 - chemistry
Interleukin-15 - metabolism
Lymphokines, interleukins ( function, expression)
Receptors, Interleukin-15
Receptors, Interleukin-2 - chemistry
Regulatory factors and their cellular receptors
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Summary:IL-15 interacts with a heterotrimeric receptor that consists of the beta and gamma subunits of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) as well as a specific, high-affinity IL-15-binding subunit, which is designated IL-15R alpha. Since both the beta and the gamma subunits of the IL-2R are required for signaling by either IL-2 or IL-15, it is not surprising that these cytokines share many activities in vitro. However, the differential expression of these cytokines and the alpha chains of their receptors within various tissues and cell types suggests that IL-2 and IL-15 may perform at least partially distinct physiological functions. The production of IL-15 by macrophages, and possibly other cell types, in response to environmental stimuli and infectious agents suggests that IL-15 may play a role in protective immune responses, allograft rejection, and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
ISSN:0271-9142
1573-2592
DOI:10.1007/bf01540911