A role for IL-15 in the migration of effector CD8 T cells to the lung airways following influenza infection.

ABSTRACT: The cytokines generated locally in response to infection play an important role in CD8 T cell trafficking, survival, and effector function, rendering these signals prime candidates for immune intervention. In this paper, we show that localized increases in the homeostatic cytokine IL-15 induced by influenza infection is responsible for the migration of CD8 effector T cells to the site of infection. Moreover, intranasal delivery of IL-15-IL-15Rα soluble complexes (IL-15c) specifically restores the frequency of effector T cells lost in the lung airways of IL-15-deficient animals after influenza infection. Exogenous IL-15c quantitatively augments the respiratory CD8 T cell response, and continued administration of IL-15c throughout the contraction phase of the anti-influenza CD8 T cell respon

SUBMITTER: Verbist KC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3050553 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature