The effect of interleukin-15 on bovine natural killer and CD8+ T cells and its potential in treating viral infections

Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a promising cytokine for immunotherapy of human cancers and bovine viral infections. IL-15 indirectly has a negative effect on tumor and virus-infected cells by activating the signaling pathways of proliferation and activation of natural killer (NK) and memory CD8+ T cells. IL-15 therapy may have widespread clinical use, particularly when combined with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T or CAR NK cells. Additionally, the use of IL-15 in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and other therapies holds promise as a treatment for cancer and viral infections. Understanding the biological characteristics of IL-15 is crucial for developing effective therapeutic strategies. This study aimed to explore recent advances in IL-15 research, focusing on its antitumor mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment, advances in IL-15-based therapies for bovine viral infections, and its integration with other treatment approaches, including monoclonal antibodies.