Posttranscriptional checkpoints that maintain low endogenous wild-type IL15 intra- and extracellular protein levels - a series of 5' AUGs, the poorly translated and secreted IL15 signal peptide sequence and a C-terminal retention signal - have been eliminated from the transgene and replaced with sequences that maximize IL15 expression. (J:67478)

Although three transgenic lines were created in the FVB/N background, the phenotype is reported only for line 3304; the others are 3284 and 3285. It is stated that the phenotypes of all three are similar, but differ in severity depending on the level of transgene mRNA expression. (J:67478)