Renal cells express a functional interleukin-15 receptor

27Citations
Citations of this article
12Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Background. Interleukin (IL)-15 is a pleiotropic cytokine known to be involved in graft rejection and to serve as a survival factor for leukocytes and epithelial cells, including renal cells. It utilizes a heterotrimeric receptor complex that consists of the IL-2 receptor βγc subunits (IL-2/15βγc) and a unique high-affinity α-chain responsible for IL-15 specificity. Methods. The cDNA of IL-15Rα main mRNA product was isolated from primary human tubular epithelial cells (TEC) and sequenced. IL-15R expression in TEC and in murine renal tissue was demonstrated using western blotting, ligand binding and flow cytometry. TEC were activated with combinations of IL-15, IL-2 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and mRNA and protein levels of IL-15R were determined. Jak-STAT tyrosine phosphorylation was assayed following IL-15 exposure. Results. The full-length α-chain mRNA bearing exons 1-7 is expressed in TEC. IL-15Rα protein was detected on intact cells by flow cytometry and in extracts of human and mice renal cells using a specific anti-IL-15Rα antibody and by ligand-binding assay. The three subunits of the IL-15R were similarly expressed in cortex and medulla of mice kidney. Stimulation of TEC with IFN-γ upregulated the α-chain while IL-2 and IL-15 had no effect on its expression. A short IL-15 stimulation of TEC induced tyrosine phosphorylation of the main IL-15 signalling molecules (Jak-1, Jak-3, STAT-3 and STAT-5). Conclusions. Our data demonstrate the presence of a functional IL-15 receptor in the kidney. Since renal cells produce IL-15, this cytokine may have an autocrine/paracrine regulatory role in the kidney. © The Author [2005]. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Tejman-Yarden, N., Zlotnik, M., Lewis, E., Etzion, O., Chaimovitz, C., & Douvdevani, A. (2005). Renal cells express a functional interleukin-15 receptor. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 20(3), 516–523. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfh616

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free