Anti-Interleukin-15 (IL-15) (equine)

Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a cytokine with structural similarity to IL-2 that is secreted by mononuclear phagocytes (and some other cells) following infection by virus(es). This cytokine induces cell proliferation of natural killer cells, cells of the innate immune system whose principal role is to kill virally infected cells. IL-15 was discovered to be a member of a family of cytokines, which also includes IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-21. The specific receptor for IL-15, IL-15 receptor alpha, appears to regulate IL-15 secretion, stability, and activity. All members of this family use the common gamma chain as part of their signaling complex. IL-15 has been shown to play a role in many diseases, including obesity, influenza, and inflammatory autoimmune diseases.