Interleukin 15-Mediated Induction of Cytotoxic Effector Cells Capable of Eliminating Epstein-Barr Virus-Transformed/Immortalized Lymphocytes in Culture

Abstract

In vitro, IL-15 mediated complete elimination of EBV-infected/transformed lymphocytes via successive activation of NK and NK-T cytotoxic effectors. If these in vitro findings reflect in vivo mechanisms, then IL-15 might be considered for cytokine-based immunotherapy in patients with EBV-associated lymphoproliferative disorders/malignancies.