F
IPR003443

Interleukin-15/Interleukin-21 family

InterPro entry
Short nameIL-15/IL-21_fam
Overlapping
homologous
superfamilies
 
family relationships

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
[2]
. It is required for division of CD8+ T cells of memory phenotype, a process that is increased by inhibition of IL-2
[1]
. The numbers of CD8+ memory T cells in animals may, therefore, be controlled by a balance between IL-15 and -2.

This entry represents the interleukin-15 and interleukin-21 family.

References

1.Control of homeostasis of CD8+ memory T cells by opposing cytokines. Ku CC, Murakami M, Sakamoto A, Kappler J, Marrack P. Science 288, 675-8, (2000). View articlePMID: 10784451

2.The emerging role of IL-15 in NK-cell development. Liu CC, Perussia B, Young JD. Immunol. Today 21, 113-6, (2000). View articlePMID: 10689297

GO terms

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