IL-15 receptor α signaling constrains the development of IL-17–producing γδ T cells

γδ T cells producing IL-17 (γδ-17 cells) play an important role in promoting inflammation, but the mechanisms that regulate their development are still being explored. IL-15 and its receptor, IL-15Rα, function largely to promote the development and survival of lymphoid cells. Here we show that IL-15Rα signaling has an opposing effect on the γδ-17 population, such that a deficiency in IL-15Rα increases γδ-17 cells and their precursors. This work establishes a direct role for IL-15Rα signaling in vivo and raises questions about the role of IL-15 itself in this process.