Interleukin 15 in murine models of colitis

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by abnormal, non-antigen specific chronic inflammation of unknown etiology. Genome-wide association studies show that many IBD genetic susceptibility loci map to immune function genes and compelling evidence indicate that environmental factors play a critical role in IBD pathogenesis. Clinical and experimental evidence implicate the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-15 in the pathogenesis of IBD. IL-15 and IL-15 alpha expression is increased in the inflamed mucosa of IBD patients. IL-15 contributes to the maintenance of different cell subsets in the intestinal mucosa. However, very few studies have addressed the role of IL-15 in pre-clinical models of colitis. In this study, we use three well-characterized models of experimental colitis to determine the contribution of IL-15 to pathological intestinal inflammation.

Automated summary

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are characterized by chronic inflammation of unknown cause. Genetic susceptibility loci and environmental factors play important roles in the pathogenesis of IBD. IL-15, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is implicated in IBD pathogenesis and its expression is increased in IBD patients. However, the role of IL-15 in pre-clinical models of colitis remains understudied.