Primary Identifier | IPR020410 | Type | Family |
Short Name | IL-15_fish |
description | Interleukins (IL) are a group of cytokines that play an important role in the immune system. They modulate inflammation and immunity by regulating growth, mobility and differentiation of lymphoid and other cells. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) has a variety of biological functions, including stimulation and maintenance of cellular immune responses []. It is required for division of CD8+ T cells of memory phenotype, a process that is increased by inhibition of IL-2 []. The numbers of CD8+ memory T cells in animals may, therefore, be controlled by a balance between IL-15 and -2. IL-15 has been identified in mammals, birds and fish. Recombinant fish IL-15 has been shown to stimulate splenic leukocytes, inducing a large increase in the expression of the antiviral, immunoregulatory cytokine, interferon-gamma [].This entry represents interleukin-15 found in fish. |