IL15RA

This gene encodes a cytokine receptor that specifically binds interleukin 15 (IL15) with high affinity. The receptors of IL15 and IL2 share two subunits, IL2R beta and IL2R gamma. This forms the basis of many overlapping biological activities of IL15 and IL2. The protein encoded by this gene is structurally related to IL2R alpha, an additional IL2-specific alpha subunit necessary for high affinity IL2 binding. Unlike IL2RA, IL15RA is capable of binding IL15 with high affinity independent of other subunits, which suggests distinct roles between IL15 and IL2. This receptor is reported to enhance cell proliferation and expression of apoptosis inhibitor BCL2L1/BCL2-XL and BCL2. Multiple alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene have been reported.

interleukin 15 receptor subunit alpha

High-affinity receptor for interleukin-15 (PubMed:8530383).

Can signal both in cis and trans where IL15R from one subset of cells presents IL15 to neighboring IL2RG-expressing cells (By similarity).

In neutrophils, binds and activates kinase SYK in response to IL15 stimulation (PubMed:15123770).

In neutrophils, required for IL15-induced phagocytosis in a SYK-dependent manner (PubMed:15123770).

Expression of different isoforms may alter or interfere with signal transduction (PubMed:10480910).

Isoform 5&6&7&8:
Does not bind IL15.

Interleukin-15-mediated signaling pathway Source: UniProtKB
Positive regulation of natural killer cell differentiation Source: Ensembl
Positive regulation of phagocytosis Source: UniProtKB

Nucleus membrane; Membrane; Cell surface. Mainly found associated with the nuclear membrane.
Isoform 5: Golgi apparatus membrane; Endoplasmic reticulum membrane; Cytoplasmic vesicle membrane; Membrane. Isoform 5, isoform 6, isoform 7 and isoform 8 are associated with endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi and cytoplasmic vesicles, but not with the nuclear membrane.
Isoform 6: Golgi apparatus membrane; Endoplasmic reticulum membrane; Cytoplasmic vesicle membrane; Membrane. Isoform 5, isoform 6, isoform 7 and isoform 8 are associated with endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi and cytoplasmic vesicles, but not with the nuclear membrane.
Isoform 7: Golgi apparatus membrane; Endoplasmic reticulum membrane; Cytoplasmic vesicle membrane; Membrane. Isoform 5, isoform 6, isoform 7 and isoform 8 are associated with endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi and cytoplasmic vesicles, but not with the nuclear membrane.
Isoform 8: Golgi apparatus membrane; Endoplasmic reticulum membrane; Cytoplasmic vesicle membrane; Membrane. Isoform 5, isoform 6, isoform 7 and isoform 8 are associated with endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi and cytoplasmic vesicles, but not with the nuclear membrane.
Soluble interleukin-15 receptor subunit alpha: Extracellular space

Extracellular: 31-205
Helical: 206-228
Cytoplasmic: 229-267

N-glycosylated and O-glycosylated.
A soluble form (sIL-15RA) arises from proteolytic shedding of the membrane-anchored receptor (PubMed:15265897). It also binds IL-15 and thus interferes with IL-15 binding to the membrane receptor (PubMed:15265897).