Functional common gamma chain is not required for mast cell proliferation and survival

Background IL-15 is involved in the development and homeostasis of CD8 lymphocytes, NK and iNKT cells, and intraepithelial lymphocytes. It also promotes migration, proliferation and survival of mast cells. Its receptor on lymphocytes is a heterotrimeric complex which shares the IL2-Rb and common gamma ( gc ) chains. IL-15-mediated signaling in mast cells might make use of an alternative receptor provisionally designated as IL-15RX. In a murine model, gc-dependent signaling was shown to be essential for IL4– and IL-9–induced proliferation and survival of mast cells, but not IL-15 even in the wild-type mouse.