Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is known to be involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). An animal study revealed a distinct subset of IL-15-producing γδ T cells that correlate with disease severity. The aim of the current study was to test whether such a subset is also present in humans and its importance for the pathogenesis of MS. The peripheral blood from 29 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (including 6 relapses) and 22 controls was stained with monoclonal antibodies and analyzed with flow cytometry. The existence of IL-15+ γδ T cells was confirmed. Moreover, the percentage of IL-15+ γδ T is significantly increased in MS patients and correlates with disease severity. Nevertheless, additional functional studies are needed to fully understand the importance of those cells in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis.
Keywords: IL-15; MS; multiple sclerosis; γδ T cells.