Postepy Hig Med Dosw 2017; 71:5-19 "The role of interleukin 15 in neoplasia"

Interleukin 15 is a pleiotropic cytokine of the four α helix bundle family. Binding to a heterotrimeric receptor complex, which consists of a unique, high affinity IL ‑ 15R α ‑ chain and IL-2/IL-15R β and IL ‑ 2R γ chains, IL ‑ 15 activates signaling pathways leading to activation and proliferation of T and B cells, as well as natural killer cells. At the same time, IL ‑ 15 protects effector cells from T regulatory cells and does not induce immune tolerance. The significant regulatory action of IL ‑ 15 on the immune system provides new opportunities for development of anti ‑ cancer therapies. As documented in many experiments using different tumor models, IL ‑ 15 enhances antitumor effects. To improve the efficiency of IL ‑ 15, several strategies, including combination with other anti ‑ cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, additional use of antibodies (anti ‑ PD ‑ L1, anti ‑ CTLA ‑ 4, anti ‑ CD40), or other cytokines, have been evaluated. Increased anti ‑ tumor activity can also be obtained by using IL ‑ 15 agonists. However, acting as a growth factor for immune cells but also for tumor cells, IL ‑ 15 may promote their proliferation, survival and dissemination. Of significance seems the role of IL ‑ 15 in the pathogenesis of hematological malignancies, which is due to the involvement in the proliferation and differentiation of NK, T and B cells. Currently, several experimental strategies are available to block biological activity...
Source: Postepy higieny i medycyny doswiadczalnej - Category: Research Tags: Review article Source Type: research