IL-15 in T-Cell Responses and Immunopathogenesis
Hoyoung Lee, Su‐Hyung Park, Eui‐Cheol Shin
Abstract
IL-15 belongs to the common gamma chain cytokine family and has pleiotropic immunological functions.IL-15 is a homeostatic cytokine essential for the development and maintenance of NK cells and memory CD8 + T cells.In addition, IL-15 plays a critical role in the activation, effector functions, tissue residency, and senescence of CD8 + T cells.IL-15 also activates virtual memory T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T cells and T cells.Recently, IL-15 has been highlighted as a major trigger of TCR-independent activation of T cells.This mechanism is involved in T cell-mediated immunopathogenesis in diverse diseases, including viral infections and chronic inflammatory diseases.Deeper understanding of IL-15-mediated T-cell responses and their underlying mechanisms could optimize therapeutic strategies to ameliorate host injury by T cell-mediated immunopathogenesis.This review highlights recent advancements in comprehending the role of IL-15 in relation to T cell responses and immunopathogenesis under various host conditions.