IngentaConnect IL-15 and HIV Infection: Lessons for Immunotherapy and Vaccinatio...

Authors: Ahmad, Ali¹; Ahmad, Rasheed¹; Iannello, Alexandre¹; Toma, Emil¹; Morisset, Richard¹; Sindhu, Sardar T.A.K.¹

Source: Current HIV Research, Volume 3, Number 3, July 2005 , pp. 261-270(10)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

IL-15 is a pleiotropic and multifunctional cytokine that has a diverse array of distinct biological effects in the body. It plays a crucial role in host defense from viral and non-viral intracellular pathogens. The cytokine is essential for the development and differentiation of NK cells and for homeostatic expansion of CD8+ memory T cells, NKT cells and certain subsets of intestinal intra-epithelial lymphocytes (iIEL). It acts as a survival factor and inhibits spontaneous apoptosis in T, B and NK cells by increasing expression of different anti-apoptotic proteins. Several studies have shown that IL-15 production is compromised in HIV-infected AIDS patients and exogenous IL-15 drastically enhances functions of immune cells from these patients. Considering these distinct immune enhancing effects, relative safety in animal models, and minimal effects on HIV replication, IL-15 may represent a better cytokine for immune reconstitution in these patients. Furthermore, IL-15 may also act as a better adjuvant in eliciting antiviral immunity in anti-HIV vaccine strategies.

Keywords: aids; anti-hiv vaccine; ctl; cytokines; hiv; il; nk cells

Document Type: Review article

DOI: 10.2174/1570162054368093

Affiliations: 1: Center of Research, Ste Justine Hospital, 3175 Cote Ste-Catherine, Montreal, Qc, H3T 1C5, Canada.

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IL-15 and HIV Infection: Lessons for Immunotherapy and Vaccination