INTERLEUKIN-15 ANTAGONISTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ANEMIA

摘要

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the prevention and treatment of anemia. Anemia is characterized by a deficiency in red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin, thereby reducing the supply of oxygen to tissues and organs. The invention is based on the discovery that interleukin-15 (IL- 15) acts downstream of interferon-gamma (IFN) to suppress erythropoiesis. The methods and compositions of the invention may be used in the treatment of anemia accompanying a variety of illnesses characterized by a decrease in RBCs.