Interleukin-15 Pathway (IL-15 Pathway)

The Interleukin-15 (IL-15) pathway is a crucial signaling cascade involved in the development, survival, proliferation, and activation of various lymphocyte lineages, including NK cells, T cells (especially CD8+ memory T cells), NKT cells, and B cells. The pathway is initiated by IL-15 binding to its receptor complex, which consists of IL-15Rα, IL-2/IL-15Rβ (CD122), and the common gamma chain γc (CD132). Signaling primarily occurs via trans-presentation, where IL-15 bound to IL-15Rα on antigen-presenting or stromal cells interacts with the βγ chains on effector lymphocytes. Downstream signaling involves activation of the JAK/STAT, PI3K/Akt, and Ras/MAPK pathways, leading to the transcription of genes involved in cell proliferation, survival, and function. Dysregulation of the IL-15 pathway can contribute to both immune deficiency and pathological inflammation, making it a target for cancer immunotherapy and other immune-related therapies.

Other names

IL-15 Signaling Pathway

Not applicable, as it is a pathway, but drugs targeting pathway components would have mechanisms of action affecting the pathway's signaling.