Figure 2. Pleiotropic effects of IL-15 on immune cells thought critical to SJS/TEN pathogenesis.

IL-15 induces activation of skin antigen presenting cells including macrophages (MΦ) and DC. Activation enhances production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and antigen presentation. IL-15 promotes development, expansion, and maintenance/survival of CD8+ T cells and NK cells. It also stimulates CD8+ T cell and NK cell activation resulting in increased cytotoxicity and cytokine/chemokine production. IL-15 plays a role in NKT cell expansion and homeostasis though its effects on NKT cell activation are still under investigation.