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Studies evaluating the antitumor activity and toxicity of interleukin-15, a new T cell growth factor: comparison with interleukin-2.

Interleukin-15 is a new cytokine that stimulates the proliferation of T cells and other cells of the immune system. Some of the biological properties of interleukin-15 overlap that of interleukin-2. Using murine models, the present studies have shown that interleukin-15, in vivo, is three to four times more potent than interleukin-2 in generating cytolytic effector splenocytes that lyse YAC target cells. It is approximately one-third as potent as interleukin-2 in inducing specific cytolytic cells that lyse allogeneic target cells. Interleukin-15 is approximately half as potent as interleukin-2 in suppressing pulmonary metastasis induced by MCA-205 tumor cells. The dose of interleukin-15 required to induce pulmonary vascular leak in mice is six times higher than that required for interleukin-2. These results support the view that interleukin-15 exhibits a therapeutic index that is superior to interleukin-2.

Animals↗

Interleukin-15 and the growth of tumor derived activated T-cells.

Interleukin-15 was tested to determine whether this recently discovered cytokine was capable of stimulating the growth of tumor derived activated T cells in culture (TDAC, also referred to as tumor infiltrating lymphocytes). When established cultures of IL-2 induced, IL-2 dependent TDAC were tested, IL-15 stimulated growth in a dose dependent manner, alone or in the presence of IL-2. One established TDAC was cultured with IL-15 alone for 18 passages over a 10 week period. Comparing IL-2 and IL-15 treated cultures, growth rate with IL-15 was slower. IL-15 doubled the secreted interferon alpha and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor. IL-15 and IL-2 were compared in primary TDAC cultures. IL-15 induced TDAC outgrowth in 3 of 6 cultures. IL-2 induced outgrowth in all 6. Tumor cells were eliminated as TDAC grew out in both IL-2 and IL-15 treated cultures. These results suggested that IL-15 like IL-2, is capable of stimulating the growth of TDAC with antitumor activity, but with certain distinct effects which may be of interest therapeutically.

Humans↗

Interleukin-15: a novel anabolic cytokine for skeletal muscle.

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a recently discovered growth factor which is highly expressed in skeletal muscle. In order to determine a functional role for IL-15 in skeletal myogenesis, the effects of IL-15 on myoblast proliferation and muscle-specific myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression were analyzed using the mouse C2 skeletal myogenic cell line and primary fetal bovine skeletal myogenic cultures. IL-15 had no effect on [3H]thymidine incorporation, nor on the rate of myoblast differentiation, assessed by anti-MHC immunocytochemical staining, in either type of culture. However, Western blot analyses revealed that IL-15 used at concentrations of 10 or 100 ng/ml increased MHC accumulation five-fold in C2 myoblast cultures and 2.5-fold in primary bovine myogenic cultures. Moreover, C2 myotubes formed in the presence of IL-15 appeared larger than controls. These findings indicate IL-15 can stimulate differentiated myocytes and muscle fibers to accumulate increased amounts of contractile proteins. Well-fused primary bovine myogenic cultures treated with the mitotic inhibitor aphidicolin, then administered IL-15 and/or the anabolic growth factor insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), were analyzed for MHC accumulation using Western blots. IL-15 used at 10 ng/ml doubled MHC accumulation and was as effective as IGF-I used at 10 or 100 ng/ml. IL-15 and IGF-I used together increased MHC accumulation close to five-fold, indicating these two factors can act additively on muscle fibers. These findings indicate IL-15 affects parameters associated with skeletal muscle fiber hypertrophy, and suggest that IL-15 may be a novel anabolic agent to increase skeletal muscle mass.

Animals↗

Chemoattraction of human blood T lymphocytes by interleukin-15.

Recombinant interleukin (IL)-15, derived from a simian kidney epithelial cell line, is a chemoattractant for human blood T lymphocytes judged by its ability to increase the proportion of cells in polarized morphology, to stimulate invasion of collagen gels containing IL-15, and to increase the proportion of locomotor cells observed by time-lapse videorecording. The ability of lymphocytes to respond was partly, but not completely, inhibited by pretreatment with anti-IL-2 receptor beta-chain. The activity of IL-15 was completely abolished by preincubation with aIL-15 but unaffected by preincubation with aIL-2. No response of monocytes, neutrophils, or B lymphocytes to IL-15 was observed.

Cell Movement↗

Characterization of B-cell lines established from two X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency patients: interleukin-15 binds to the B cells but is not internalized efficiently.

X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) is characterized by absent or profoundly reduced numbers of T cells and normal numbers of B cells in the circulation. Affected patients have mutations of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor gamma chain gene. Using Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-lymphoblastoid cell lines (B-LCLs) established from two unrelated XSCID patients, we could show that neither expressed the IL-2 receptor gamma chain on the cell surface. A novel cytokine IL-15, which has biologic activities similar to those of IL-2, could bind to the XSCID B-LCLs in the absence of the gamma chain, although both the beta and gamma chains of the human IL-2 receptor were previously shown to be required for IL-15 binding by transfected COS cells. Furthermore, a significant reduction and delay of IL-15 internalization by B lymphoblasts from XSCID patients was observed when compared with that of normal control B-LCLs. These results show the existence of a novel IL-15-specific receptor component that contributes to IL-15 binding but is insufficient for IL-15 internalization in the absence of the IL-2 receptor gamma chain.

B-Lymphocytes↗

Identification and cloning of a novel IL-15 binding protein that is structurally related to the alpha chain of the IL-2 receptor.

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a novel cytokine of the four-helix bundle family which shares many biological activities with IL-2, probably due to its interaction with the IL-2 receptor beta and gamma (IL-2R beta and gamma c) chains. We report here the characterization and molecular cloning of a distinct murine IL-15R alpha chain. IL-15R alpha alone displays an affinity of binding for IL-15 equivalent to that of the heterotrimeric IL-2R for IL-2. A biologically functional heteromeric IL-15 receptor complex capable of mediating IL-15 responses was generated through reconstruction experiments in a murine myeloid cell line. IL-15R alpha is structurally similar to IL-2R alpha; together they define a new cytokine receptor family. The distribution of IL-15 and IL-15R alpha mRNA suggests that IL-15 may have biological activities distinct from IL-2.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Chromosomal assignment and genomic structure of Il15.

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a novel cytokine whose effects on T-cell activation and proliferation are similar to those of interleukin-2 (IL-2), presumably because IL-15 utilizes the beta and gamma chains of the IL-2 receptor. Murine IL-15 cDNA and genomic clones were isolated and characterized. The murine Il15 gene was found to consist of eight exons spanning at least 34 kb and was localized to the central region of mouse chromosome 8 by interspecific backcross analysis. Intron positions in a partial human IL15 genomic clone were identical with positions of corresponding introns in the murine gene. The human IL15 gene was mapped to human chromosome 4q31 by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Circulating inflammatory proteins and osteomyelitis: A bidirectional Mendelian randomization and colocalization analysis.

Circulating inflammatory proteins (CIPs) have been implicated in the progression of osteomyelitis (OM); however, whether these proteins play a causal role or are merely a consequence remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the causal relationships between CIPs and OM using a bidirectional 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. MR analyses were performed using genome-wide association study summary statistics for 91 inflammation-related proteins (n&#x2005;=&#x2005;14,824) and OM (1881 cases and 3,91,037 controls). The inverse variance weighted method was used as the primary analytical approach, supplemented by MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode methods. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to evaluate heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, and robustness. Colocalization analysis was applied to identify shared causal variants, and pathway enrichment analysis was used to explore underlying biological mechanisms. Forward MR analysis revealed that elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-beta (TNF-&#x3b2;) were significantly associated with increased OM risk (odds ratio [OR]&#x2005;=&#x2005;1.132; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.052-1.217; false discovery rate [FDR]&#x2005;=&#x2005;0.027). Conversely, decreased levels of osteoprotegerin (OR&#x2005;=&#x2005;0.772; 95% CI: 0.671-0.889; FDR&#x2005;=&#x2005;0.015) and adenosine deaminase (OR&#x2005;=&#x2005;0.811; 95% CI: 0.736-0.894; FDR&#x2005;<&#x2005;0.001) were associated with increased OM risk. Reverse MR analysis identified increased levels of interleukin-15 receptor alpha, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1, fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, interleukin-20, interleukin-10 (IL10), C-C motif chemokine ligand 19, and CXCL6 as being significantly associated with OM susceptibility (all FDR&#x2005;<&#x2005;0.05). Colocalization analysis provided strong evidence for a shared causal variant between TNF-&#x3b2; and OM (posterior probability for hypothesis 4&#x2005;=&#x2005;0.999). Enrichment analyses indicated involvement of implicated proteins in Toll-like receptor signaling and T-helper 17 cell differentiation pathways. This study identified several CIPs - including TNF-&#x3b2;, osteoprotegerin, and adenosine deaminase - as potentially causal in OM development. These findings highlight promising targets for future immunomodulatory therapies aimed at preventing or mitigating osteomyelitis.

Humans↗

CAR NK cell production from human cord blood NK progenitor cells is enhanced by stimulation of the IL-15 receptor.

Cord blood (CB)-derived chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cells have demonstrated significant antitumor efficacy. We recently reported that CB-derived CAR NK cells predominantly originate from CD7+CD56-CD34-HLA-DR-Lin- NK cell precursors in CB. Here, we demonstrate that stimulating the interleukin (IL)-15 receptor on these NK precursors enhances the production of CAR NK cells from CB cells. In CB CD56-CD34-HLA-DR-Lin- cells, the IL-15 receptor was exclusively expressed on CD7+ NK cell precursors. Using K562 feeder cells that express not only 4-1BB ligand and membrane-bound (mb) IL-21 but also mbIL-15 significantly increased the production of mature NK cells from the purified NK cell precursors or T cell-depleted CB cells. The in vitro and in vivo antitumor effects of CAR NK cells generated using K562 feeder cells that express mbIL-15 were comparable to those of CAR NK cells produced using K562 feeder cells that do not express mbIL-15. These results suggest that K562 feeder cells expressing 4-1BBL, mbIL-21, and mbIL-15 can increase the production of CAR NK cells from CB cells while maintaining their cytotoxic potential. This method could also be useful for expanding NK cells from CB for any type of adoptive NK cell therapy with or without CAR transduction.

Humans↗

IL-15, a novel T cell growth factor that shares activities and receptor components with IL-2.

Interleukin 15 is a newly discovered cytokine that shares biological activities with IL-2 and, like IL-2, is a member of the four-helix bundle cytokine family. We have shown that IL-15 shares components of the receptor for IL-2: the alpha chain of the IL-2R is not required, but both the beta and gamma chains are needed for IL-15 mediated bioactivities. A defect in IL-15 signaling may therefore contribute to the phenotype of X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency in humans, resulting from mutations in the common gamma chain. Differential ability of cells to bind and respond to IL-2 and IL-15 suggested the existence of an additional IL-15 specific receptor component. We identified an IL-15 specific binding protein (IL-15R alpha) on a murine T cell and isolated the corresponding cDNA. The IL-15R alpha is not a member of the hematopoietin receptor superfamily, but is structurally related to the alpha chain of the IL-2R. Differences in the expression pattern of IL-15 and its receptor compared to the IL-2 system suggest unique in vivo roles for IL-15.

Animals↗

The role of shared receptor motifs and common Stat proteins in the generation of cytokine pleiotropy and redundancy by IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-13, and IL-15.

To understand the molecular bases for cytokine redundancy and pleiotropy, we have compared the Stat proteins activated in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) by cytokines with shared and distinct actions. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) rapidly activated Stat5 in fresh PBL, and Stat3 and Stat5 in preactivated PBL. IL-7 and IL-15 induced the same complexes as IL-2, a feature explained by the existence of similar tyrosine-phosphorylated motifs in the cytoplasmic domains of IL-2R beta and IL-7R that can serve as docking sites for Stat proteins. IL-13 Induced the same complexes as IL-4, a finding explained by our studies implicating IL-4R as a shared component of the receptors. These studies demonstrate that a single cytokine can activate different combinations of Stat proteins under different physiological conditions, and also indicate two mechanisms by which distinct cytokines can activate the same Stat protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of STAT5, STAT3, and Janus kinases by interleukins 2 and 15.

The cytokines interleukin 2 (IL-2) and IL-15 have similar biological effects on T cells and bind common hematopoietin receptor subunits. Pathways that involve Janus kinases (JAKs) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs) have been shown to be important for hematopoietin receptor signaling. In this study we identify the STAT proteins activated by IL-2 and IL-15 in human T cells. IL-2 and IL-15 rapidly induced the tyrosine phosphorylation of STAT3 and STAT5, and DNA-binding complexes containing STAT3 and STAT5 were rapidly activated by these cytokines in T cells. IL-4 induced tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of STAT3 but not STAT5. JAK1 and JAK3 were tyrosine-phosphorylated in response to IL-2 and IL-15. Hence, the JAK and STAT molecules that are activated in response to IL-2 and IL-15 are similar but differ from those induced by IL-4. These observations identify the STAT proteins activated by IL-2 and IL-15 and therefore define signaling pathways by which these T-cell growth factors may regulate gene transcription.

Base Sequence↗

Interleukin (IL) 15 is a novel cytokine that activates human natural killer cells via components of the IL-2 receptor.

Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a novel cytokine that has recently been cloned and expressed. Whereas it has no sequence homology with IL-2, IL-15 interacts with components of the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R). In the present study we performed a functional analysis of recombinant IL-15 on phenotypically and functionally distinct populations of highly purified human natural killer (NK) cells. The CD56bright subset of human NK cells constitutively expresses the high affinity IL-2R and exhibits a brisk proliferative response after the binding of picomolar amounts of IL-2. Using a proliferation assay, IL-15 demonstrated a very steep dose-response curve that was distinct from the dose-response curve for IL-2. The proliferative effects of IL-15 could be abrogated by anti-IL-2R beta (p75), but not by anti-IL-2R alpha (p55). The proliferative effects of IL-2 on CD56bright NK cells could be inhibited by both antibodies. CD56dim NK cells express the intermediate affinity IL-2R in the absence of the high affinity IL-2R. Activation of CD56dim NK cells by IL-15 was similar to that of IL-2 as measured by enhanced NK cytotoxic activity, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and NK cell production of interferon gamma, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor. The IL-15-enhanced NK cytotoxic activity could be completely blocked by anti-IL-2R beta monoclonal antibody. The binding of radiolabeled IL-2 and IL-15 to CD56dim NK cells was inhibited in the presence of anti-IL-2R beta. Scatchard analysis of radiolabeled IL-15 and IL-2 binding to NK-enriched human lymphocytes revealed the presence of high and intermediate affinity receptors for both ligands. IL-15 is a ligand that activates human NK cells through components of the IL-2R in a pattern that is similar but not identical to that of IL-2. Unlike IL-2, IL-15 is produced by activated monocytes/macrophages. The discovery of IL-15 may increase our understanding of how monocytes/macrophages participate in the regulation of NK cell function.

Antigens, CD↗

Cytokine interactions in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals: roles of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, and IL-15.

Cytokines have been shown to be powerful regulators of the immune response. In this study, we analyze the effect that the newly recognized cytokine interleukin (IL)-15 has on proliferation and cytokine induction using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and purified CD4+ T cells from patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who are at various stages in their disease. We observed that IL-15 enhances the proliferative response in a dose-dependent manner from PBMCs of HIV-infected individuals when stimulated by polyclonal mitogen, tetanus toxoid, or HIV-specific antigen. The effects of exogenous IL-15 are substantially diminished by adding a neutralizing antibody to the beta chain of the IL-2 receptor. Moreover, the ability of IL-15 to increase proliferation is enhanced by the presence of endogenous IL-2 produced in the cultures. The effect that exogenous IL-15 had on IL-2, IL-4, and interferon (IFN)-gamma induction from PBMC's or CD4+ T cells in response to mitogen or tetanus toxoid was also examined. This was compared to the effect that exogenous IL-2 and IL-12 had under the same conditions. Addition of IL-2 or IL-15 to short-term in vitro cultures of either PBMCs or CD4+ T cells had little effect on IL-2, IL-4, or IFN-gamma production. By contrast, IL-12 caused substantial enhancement of both IL-2 and IFN-gamma production from these cultures. The role that endogenous cytokines have on IFN-gamma induction was also studied. Addition of a neutralizing antibody to the alpha chain of the IL-2 receptor or IL-12 to antigen stimulated cultures caused a striking decrease in IFN-gamma production. Neutralization of endogenous IL-15 also resulted in diminished IFN-gamma production from cultures stimulated with mitogen. IL-4 and IFN-gamma protein production by PBMCs and CD4+ T cells stimulated with mitogen was assessed to see if we could detect a specific bias of cytokine production. Small amounts of IL-4 were detected from CD4+ T cells but not PBMCs from most individuals tested. IFN-gamma and IL-2, however, were also produced from these same cultures. These results further elucidate the mechanism of cytokine regulation in HIV-infected individuals, and they provide evidence that IL-15 may be a useful immune modulator.

CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes↗

Interleukin (IL)-15 promotes the growth of murine epidermal gamma delta T cells by a mechanism involving the beta- and gamma c-chains of the IL-2 receptor.

Dendritic epidermal T cells (DETC) are skin-specific members of the epithelial gamma delta T-cell family in mice. We have reported previously that the growth of DETC is promoted by interleukin (IL)-2 in an autocrine fashion, or by IL-7, which is secreted by neighboring keratinocytes. Here we report that DETC growth is promoted by IL-15, a newly discovered T-cell growth factor that is produced in lymphoid as well as nonlymphoid tissues. Recombinant IL-15 promoted the growth of the 7-17 DETC line in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. Using monoclonal antibodies against alpha-, beta-, or gamma c-chains of the IL-2 receptor complex, we observed that the combination of anti-beta chain and anti-gamma c chain antibodies blocked IL-15 responsiveness completely, whereas anti-alpha chain had no effect. These results indicate that this gamma delta T-cell line uses the beta/gamma c heterodimer for proliferative responses to IL-15. Antibodies against IL-2 or IL-7 did not block IL-15-driven proliferation of 7-17 DETC, indicating that IL-15 promotes their growth in an IL-2- and IL-7-independent manner. Both the surface expression of beta/gamma c heterodimers and the IL-15 responsiveness of 7-17 DETC were highest 1 to 8 days after concanavalin A stimulation, and both declined substantially 21 days after stimulation, illustrating regulation by the state of cell activation. Working with epidermal cells that were freshly procured from CBA mice, we noted that IL-15 promoted conavalin-A-triggered growth of Thy-1+ cells (i.e., DETC), but not of the Thy-1- cells. The gamma c-chain was not expressed by freshly procured DETC, becoming detectable within 48 h after concanavalin A stimulation. We propose that IL-15 facilitates the growth of epithelial gamma delta T cells by a beta/gamma c receptor-dependent mechanism.

Animals↗

Interleukin 15 induction of lymphokine-activated killer cell function against autologous tumor cells in melanoma patient lymphocytes by a CD18-dependent, perforin-related mechanism.

Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a novel cytokine that shares no homology with IL-2, but it requires the use of beta and gamma chains of the IL-2 receptor complex for binding and signaling. In vitro studies have shown induction of CTL and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from normal donors by IL-15 against known tumor targets. The present study attempts to define the role of IL-15 in generating LAK activity from melanoma patient lymphocytes. PBMCs of patients newly diagnosed with metastatic melanoma were incubated with different doses of recombinant human IL-15 and tested against autologous tumor cells, LAK sensitive cell lines (i.e., FMEX and Daudi), as well as the natural killer-sensitive cell line K562, in a 15-h 51Cr release assay. The effect of IL-15 was found to be both time and dose dependent, with peak activity detected after 2 or 3 days of culture with 100 ng/ml of this cytokine. LAK and not CTL activity in patient PBMCs was detected by the inability of mAbs against CD4, CD8, and MHC class I to effectively block lysis of autologous tumor and FMEX melanoma cells. In addition, interaction via the CD18 adhesion molecule was shown to be critical in IL-15-induced LAK-mediated lysis of autologous tumor cells. Finally, incubation of patient PBMCs with IL-15 for 6 h resulted in the up-regulation of perforin mRNA transcription. These findings suggest that LAK activity can be generated from melanoma patient PBMCs in the presence of IL-15 to lyse autologous tumor cells in a non-MHC-restricted manner. This new cytokine may play an important role in antitumor immunity with a possible use for cancer immunotherapy.

Biopsy↗

Ultraviolet B radiation up-regulates the expression of IL-15 in human skin.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a potent modulator of skin-related immune responses, particularly those involving the synthesis and the secretion of cytokines. The discovery of a new T cell mitogen, IL-15, prompted use to investigate its expression in skin and to examine the effects of UVB radiation on such expression. RNA from unirradiated and UVB-irradiated epidermal and dermal sheets derived from human foreskin as well as from unirradiated and UVB-irradiated skin cell populations were assayed for IL-15 expression by semiquantitative RT-PCR. Constitutive levels of IL-15 mRNA were detected in dermal sheets, but not in epidermal sheets. Following UVB treatment, IL-15 mRNA was induced in epidermal sheets and enhanced in dermal sheets. UVB-inducible epidermal expression of IL-15 mRNA was traced to HLA-DR- cells (presumably keratinocytes) and not to HLA-DR+ cells (Langerhans cells). Cultured keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts displayed basal levels of IL-15 mRNA that were also up-regulated following UVB exposure. Immunoblot analysis revealed secretion of IL-15 protein by keratinocytes that was enhanced following UVB treatment. These results constitute the first report of IL-15 mRNA expression and protein production in human skin. In addition to expanding the known influence of UVB radiation on the capacity of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts to express immunomodulatory cytokines, these findings suggest a new mechanism by which UVB can promote Ag-independent T cell responses via elaboration of IL-15.

Base Sequence↗

Function of the interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor gamma-chain in biologic responses of X-linked severe combined immunodeficient B cells to IL-2, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-15.

The interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor gamma-chain is a common component of several members of the cytokine receptor superfamily including those for IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15, and possibly IL-13, and has recently been renamed the common gamma-chain (gamma c-chain). Transfection experiments have shown that the gamma c-chain participates in signal transduction by IL-2, IL-4 and IL-7, but a functional role for the gamma c-chain in biological responses by normal T cells and B cells to these cytokines has not been established. In this study, we have used X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) as a naturally occurring gamma c-chain gene disruption model to examine the role of the gamma c-chain in human B-cell responses to IL-2, IL-4, IL-13, and IL-15. Our experiments show that B cells from two X-SCID patients with characterized gamma c-chain gene mutations do not respond to IL-2 or IL-15, but respond as well or better than normal B cells to both IL-4 and IL-13 in assays for B-cell activation, proliferation, and IgE secretion. This finding raises important questions about the function of the gamma c-chain in receptors for IL-4 and IL-13, and the nature of the immune defect in X-SCID.

B-Lymphocytes↗