Description
The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine that regulates T and natural killer cell activation and proliferation. This cytokine and interleukine 2 share many biological activities. They are found to bind common hematopoietin receptor subunits, and may compete for the same receptor, and thus negatively regulate each other's activity. The number of CD8+ memory cells is shown to be controlled by a balance between this cytokine and IL2. This cytokine induces the activation of JAK kinases, as well as the phosphorylation and activation of transcription activators STAT3, STAT5, and STAT6. Studies of the mouse counterpart suggested that this cytokine may increase the expression of apoptosis inhibitor BCL2L1/BCL-x(L), possibly through the transcription activation activity of STAT6, and thus prevent apoptosis. Alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene have been reported.
Bio-activity
Measured in a cell proliferation assay using MO7e human megakaryocytic leukemic cells. The ED50 for this effect is 0.300-2.60 ng/mL. The specific activity of recombinant human IL-15 is >2.00 × 10^8 units/mg, which is calibrated against the human IL-15 reference standard (NIBSC code: 95/554).
Storage
Use a manual defrost freezer and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
12 months from date of receipt, -20 to -70 centigrade as supplied.
1 month, 2 to 8 centigrade under sterile conditions after reconstitution.
3 months, -20 to -70 centigrade under sterile conditions after reconstitution.
