IL-15 and IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα)
play a significant role in multiple aspects of T cell biology.
Interleukin (IL)-15 is essential for natural killer (NK), NKT and memory
(m) CD8+ T cell development and function, and is currently under
investigation as an immunotherapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer.
Recently, the creation of IL-15 superagonist by complexing IL-15 and
its high affinity receptor alpha (IL-15 Rα) in solution, inspired by the
natural trans-presentation of IL-15, advances the potential of
IL-15-based tumor immunotherapy. Gene therapy using engineered cells
co-expressing IL-15/IL-15 Rα complex for cancer treatment is also
emerging.