Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal ChemistryAnti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal ChemistryAnti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry1871-52061875-5992Bentham Science64406610.2174/0118715206321574240821112747OncologyResearch ArticleImmunomodulatory Roles of IL-15 in Immune Cells and its Potential for Cancer ImmunotherapyLiuYouhaninfo@benthamscience.netMaWeninfo@benthamscience.netTianXueweninfo@benthamscience.netWangQingluinfo@benthamscience.netLuXininfo@benthamscience.netLuoYinginfo@benthamscience.netXuJuninfo@benthamscience.netGraduate School of Education, Shandong Sport UniversityDepartment of Clinical laboratory, Central Hospital of Zibo1510202424201457146607012025Copyright ©; 2024, Bentham Science Publishers2024Bentham Science Publishershttps://journals.eco-vector.com/1871-5206/article/view/644066

:Interleukin-15 (IL-15) was identified in 1994 as a T-cell growth factor with the capability to mimic the functions of IL-2. IL-15 engages with the IL-15Rα subunit expressed on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and, through a trans-presentation mechanism, activates the IL-2/IL-15Rβγ complex receptor on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. This interaction initiates a cascade of downstream signaling pathways, playing a pivotal role in the activation, proliferation, and anti-apoptotic processes in NK cells, CD8+ T cells, and B cells. It provides a substantial theoretical foundation and potential therapeutic targets for tumor immunotherapy. Whether through active or passive immunotherapeutic strategies, IL-15 has emerged as a critical molecule for stimulating anti-tumor cell proliferation.

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