Interleukin-15 receptor subunit beta-gamma complex (IL-15Rβγ)

The Interleukin-15 (IL-15) receptor βγ complex is a heterodimeric receptor found on the surface of various immune cells, most notably natural killer (NK) cells and memory CD8+ T cells [2, 8]. It is composed of the IL-2/IL-15 receptor subunit beta (CD122) and the common gamma chain (CD132), which are shared with the IL-2 receptor system [10, 14]. Unlike the high-affinity heterotrimeric receptor that includes the IL-15Rα subunit, the βγ complex serves as an intermediate-affinity signaling unit that triggers the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway upon ligand binding [2, 14]. This signaling is essential for the development, survival, and activation of cytotoxic lymphocytes, making it a primary target for cancer immunotherapies [2, 13]. Therapeutic strategies include the use of IL-15 superagonists to boost anti-tumor immunity and monoclonal antibodies to inhibit the complex in the context of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases [3, 7].

Other names

IL-15RβγCD122/CD132 complexInterleukin-2/15 receptor subunit beta-gamma complexIntermediate-affinity IL-15 receptor

Agonism of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway to stimulate immune effector cells; Antagonism to block IL-15-mediated inflammatory signaling