IPR003443
Interleukin-15/Interleukin-21 family
InterPro entry
Short name | IL-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
biological process
molecular function
cellular component
Representative structure
2z3q: Crystal structure of the IL-15/IL-15Ra complex