Therapeutic potential of interleukin-15: a myokine involved in muscle wasting and adiposity

Since the discovery of IL-15 and its role in T-cell proliferation in 1994, different studies on the effects of the cytokine on metabolic effects have been performed. These studies have mainly been involved with the metabolic pathways involved in lipid and protein metabolism. The present review summarises the metabolic effects of IL-15 at different target tissues and the possibilities and potential for therapeutic interventions based on the cytokine's roles in obesity and wasting.