Reduced Expression of Bcl-2 in CD8+ T Cells Deficient in the IL-15 Receptor α-Chain

摘要: Mice that lack IL-15 or the IL-15R α-chain (IL-15Rα) are deficient in peripheral CD8+, but not CD4+, T cells. This CD8+ cell-specific deficiency has now been investigated further by characterization of a new strain IL-15Rα−/− mice. The adult mutant mice exhibited specific reduction percentage CD8-single positive TCRhigh thymocytes. expression Bcl-2 was reduced both thymocytes and naive cells animals, susceptibility these to death increased. Memory were profoundly IL-15Rα−/−mice, residual memory-like contained high dead failed up-regulate compared with Moreover, exogenous up-regulated level rate wild-type activated vitro. These results indicate IL-15Rα regulate at all developmental stages. content might result survival defect contribute IL-15Rα−/−mice.