| 背景信息 |
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a crucial role in regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses. It is involved in the development, proliferation, survival, and differentiation of various immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, T cells, and B cells. Dysregulation of IL-15 expression has been implicated in several autoimmune and chronic inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and inflammatory bowel disease. In these conditions, increased levels of IL-15 and its receptor (IL-15Rα) contribute to the maintenance of self-reactive memory T cells, bystander activation of inflammatory cells, and upregulation of activating receptors on T cells. Conversely, in some infectious diseases, IL-15 production may be compromised, and exogenous administration of IL-15 can potentially enhance immune responses against pathogens. |