Abstract
Interleukin 15 (IL-15) has been described as a cytokine with biologic functions similar to those of IL-2. IL-2 and IL-15 utilize a receptor composed of three subunits: IL-2 receptor β-chain, the y-chain (βc) shared by IL-15, IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, and IL-9 receptors, and a unique a-chain. The α-chain of the IL-15 receptor (IL-15Rα) and IL-2Rα share a fragmentary sequence homology and structural similarities, and both proteins contain a conserved “sushi domain” binding motif. IL-15 is a potent T-cell activator that induces the effector function of cytotoxic T cells and lymphokine-activated killer cells. IL-15, like IL-2, stimulates the proliferation of activated CD4, CD8, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells (1).
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Douvdevani, A., Weiler, M., Lewis, E. (2001). Assaying Interleukin-15. In: O’Neill, L.A.J., Bowie, A. (eds) Interleukin Protocols. Methods in Molecular Medicine™, vol 60. Springer, Totowa, NJ. https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-146-9:193
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1385/1-59259-146-9:193
Publisher Name: Springer, Totowa, NJ
Print ISBN: 978-0-89603-738-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-59259-146-6
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