IL-15 Enables Septic Shock by Maintaining NK Cell Integrity and Function.

ABSTRACT: Interleukin 15 is essential for the development and differentiation of NK and memory CD8⁺ (mCD8⁺) T cells. Our laboratory previously showed that NK and CD8⁺ T lymphocytes facilitate the pathobiology of septic shock. However, factors that regulate NK and CD8⁺ T lymphocyte functions during sepsis are not well characterized. We hypothesized that IL-15 promotes the pathogenesis of sepsis by maintaining NK and mCD8⁺ T cell integrity. To test our hypothesis, the pathogenesis of sepsis was assessed in IL-15-deficient (IL-15 knockout, KO) mice. IL-15 KO mice showed improved survival, attenuated hypothermia, and less proinflammatory cytokine production during septic shock caused by cecal ligation and puncture or endotoxin-induced shock. Treatme

SUBMITTER: Guo Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5263185 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature