IL-15 is a major factor regulating the development and homeostasis of CD8 T cells and NK cells as well as their responses during immune stimulation. During the steady state, IL-15 responses are mediated via transpresentation, where cell surface IL-15, associated with IL-15Ra, stimulates neighboring cells during a cell- cell interaction. Conversely, studies have found that soluble (s) IL-15Ra/IL-15 complexes, with potent stimulatory activity, are produced by Toll-like receptor stimulation and after lymphodepletion in humans and mice. Additionally, we have recently shown that sIL-15Ra/IL-15 complexes are generated in response to viral infection, Interferon-a, and CD40 stimulation. Since cell surface IL-15Ra/IL-15 also increases under these conditions, the role of sIL-15Ra/IL-15 complexes is presently unclear. Because generation of sIL-15Ra/IL-15 complexes coincides with enhanced IL-15 responses, we hypothesize that sIL-15Ra/IL-15 complexes enhance lymphocyte responses during immune stimulation. Our long-term goals are to elucidate the role of sIL-15Ra/IL- 15 complexes generated in response to pathogen infections, vaccination, autoimmune diseases, and cancer so that we can identify novel ways to regulate CD8 T cells and NK cells. Previous studies suggest IL-15Ra/IL- 15 complexes are cleaved from the surface by the metalloproteinase ADAM17. Moreover, the cleavage site in the IL-15Ra and a critical amino acid required for cleavage has been identified. Therefore, the goal of these studies is to use this knowledge to generate transgenic (Tg) mice expressing a cleavage-resistant IL-15Ra that prevents production of sIL-15 complexes but leaves IL-15 transpresentation intact. This model system can then be used to distinguish the immunological roles of endogenously-produced soluble IL-15 complexes from those mediated by IL-15 transpresentation. To accomplish this goal, we propose the following two specific aims: 1. Develop genetically engineered mice expressing cleavage-resistant IL-15Ra. Constructs encoding cleavage-resistant IL-15Ra or Wt IL-15Ra driven by a MHC class I promoter will be inserted into IL- 15Ra-/- blastocytes for generation of Tg mice. Mice expressing the transgene at the DNA and protein level will be identified and bred to the IL-15Ra-/- background. 2. Determine effect of transgenic cleavage-resistant IL-15Ra on development of IL-15 responsive lymphocytes and expression of sIL-15 complexes. The general phenotype of T cells and NK cells will be examined in untreated cleavage-resistant IL-15Ra Tg+ and Wt IL-15Ra Tg mice to measure the restoration of IL-15 function in lymphocyte development and homeostasis. Expression of serum sIL-15Ra/IL-15 complexes will be measured in Tg+ mice after viral infection or other types of immune stimulation. Developing this model will allow us to identify the importance of sIL-15Ra/IL-15 complexes generated by various types of immune stimulation. The knowledge obtained will provide the critical insight needed to develop therapeutic strategies to promote IL-15 responses that can enhance immune responses to tumors or pathogens as well as block IL-15 responses that promote inflammatory events.

Public Health Relevance

The expression of interleukin-15 (IL-15), a stimulatory factor for immune cells, increases after infection, during inflammation, and in many autoimmune diseases. During these situations, IL-15 exists on both the cell surface and as part of a secreted protein complex; however, it is not known which form of IL-15 enhances immune cell functions after immune stimulation. The goal of this proposal is to develop a model to elucidate the function of soluble IL-15 complexes during immune activation, thus providing new insight into the regulation of IL-15 function in vivo that could be used to improve the efficacy of vaccination and cancer therapies or suppress cytolytic immune cell responses during inflammation and autoimmunity.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Type
Small Research Grants (R03)
Project #
1R03AI121458-01A1
Application #
9109342
Study Section
Cellular and Molecular Immunology - B Study Section (CMIB)
Program Officer
Singleton, Kentner L
Project Start
2016-02-15
Project End
2018-01-31
Budget Start
2016-02-15
Budget End
2017-01-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Hospitals
DUNS #
800772139
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77030
Robinson, Tanya O; Schluns, Kimberly S (2017) The potential and promise of IL-15 in immuno-oncogenic therapies. Immunol Lett 190:159-168