Cytokine that stimulates the proliferation of T- lymphocytes. Stimulation by IL-15 requires interaction of IL-15 with components of IL-2R, including IL-2R beta and probably IL-2R gamma but not IL-2R alpha
Tissue Specificity
Most abundant in placenta and skeletal muscle. It is also detected in the heart, lung, liver and kidney. IL15- S21AA is preferentially expressed in tissues such as testis and thymus