Description
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) has a broad spectrum of biological activities. It is crucial for the development, proliferation, survival and differentiation of multiple cells from both innate and adaptive immune systems. IL-15 up-regulation has a central role in the development of several autoimmune or chronic inflammatory disorders. Targeting IL-15 or its receptor may have a valuable impact on the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. IL-15 participates in the development of important immune antitumor mechanisms. It activates CD8(+) T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NK T cells, and can promote the formation of antitumor antibodies. IL-15 can also protect T effector cells from the action of T regulatory cells and reverse tolerance to tumor-associated antigens. In pre-clinical studies IL-15 has been found to demonstrate potentiated antitumor effects following pre-association with IL-15Ralpha;, or when used in combination with chemotherapy, adoptive therapy, monoclonal antibodies, and tumor vaccines