Abstract
In this Opinion article, we discuss the function of tissues as a crucial checkpoint for the regulation of effector T cell responses, and the notion that interleukin-15 (IL-15) functions as a danger molecule that communicates to the immune system that the tissue is under attack and poises it to mediate tissue destruction. More specifically, we propose that expression of IL-15 in tissues promotes T helper 1 cell-mediated immunity and provides co-stimulatory signals to effector cytotoxic T cells to exert their effector functions and drive tissue destruction. Therefore, we think that IL-15 contributes to tissue protection by promoting the elimination of infected cells but that when its expression is chronically dysregulated, it can promote the development of complex T cell-mediated disorders associated with tissue destruction, such as coeliac disease and type 1 diabetes.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Bacterial Infections / immunology
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
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Celiac Disease / immunology
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Celiac Disease / metabolism
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / immunology
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / metabolism
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Humans
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Immunity, Cellular / immunology*
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Interleukin-15 / immunology*
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Interleukin-15 / metabolism
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Interleukin-15 Receptor alpha Subunit / immunology
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Interleukin-15 Receptor alpha Subunit / metabolism
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Killer Cells, Natural / immunology
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Killer Cells, Natural / metabolism
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Models, Immunological
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Protein Binding / immunology
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Signal Transduction / immunology*
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T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
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T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
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Th1 Cells / immunology
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Th1 Cells / metabolism
Substances
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Interleukin-15
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Interleukin-15 Receptor alpha Subunit