NCIt definition : Interleukin-15 (162 aa, 18 kDa) is encoded by the human IL15 gene. This protein plays
a role in the regulation of both proliferation and activation of both T-cells and
natural killer cells.;
NCIt note : Interleukin-15 and interleukin-2 bind common hematopoietin receptor subunits; therefore,
they may compete for the same receptor, and negatively regulate each other's activity.
The number of CD8 memory cells is controlled by a balance between this cytokine and
IL2.;