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Trans-endocytosis of intact IL-15Rα–IL-15 complex from presenting cells into NK cells favors signaling for proliferation

Significance Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is essential for natural killer (NK) cell survival and proliferation. The IL-15 receptor consists of 3 subunits: the α chain and the β and common γ (γc) chains, which are shared with the IL-2 receptor. NK cells express the β-γc chains and are activated in trans by cells presenting IL-15 bound to IL-15Rα, such as dendritic cells. We show here that the release of soluble IL-15Rα–IL-15 complex from presenting cells contributes to efficient signaling for NK cell survival, whereas uptake of the entire membrane-associated-IL-15Rα–IL-15 complex from presenting cells into NK cells contributes to proliferation. Thus, outcomes are dictated not only by signal strength, but also by location where IL-15 trans-presentation occurs in NK cells. Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is an essential cytokine for the survival and proliferation of natural killer (NK) cells. IL-15 activates signaling by the β and common γ (γc) chain heterodimer of the IL-2 receptor through trans-presentation by cells expressing IL-15 bound to the α chain of the IL-15 receptor (IL-15Rα). We show here that membrane-associated IL-15Rα–IL-15 complexes are transferred from presenting cells to NK cells through trans-endocytosis and contribute to the phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 and NK cell proliferation. NK cell interaction with soluble or surface-bound IL-15Rα–IL-15 complex resulted in Stat5 phosphorylation and NK cell survival at a concentration or density of the complex much lower than required to stimulate S6 phosphorylation. Despite this efficient response, Stat5 phosphorylation was reduced after inhibition of metalloprotease-induced IL-15Rα–IL-15 shedding from trans-presenting cells, whereas S6 phosphorylation was unaffected. Conversely, inhibition of trans-endocytosis by silencing of the small GTPase TC21 or expression of a dominant-negative TC21 reduced S6 phosphorylation but not Stat5 phosphorylation. Thus, trans-endocytosis of membrane-associated IL-15Rα–IL-15 provides a mode of regulating NK cells that is not afforded to IL-2 and is distinct from activation by soluble IL-15. These results may explain the strict IL-15 dependence of NK cells and illustrate how the cellular compartment in which receptor–ligand interaction occurs can influence functional outcome.