Flip the coin: IL-7 and IL-7R in health and disease

JT Barata, SK Durum, B Seddon - Nature immunology, 2019 - nature.com
JT Barata, SK Durum, B Seddon
Nature immunology, 2019nature.com
The cytokine IL-7 and its receptor, IL-7R, are critical for T cell and, in the mouse, B cell
development, as well as differentiation and survival of naive T cells, and generation and
maintenance of memory T cells. They are also required for innate lymphoid cell (ILC)
development and maintenance, and consequently for generation of lymphoid structures and
barrier defense. Here we discuss the central role of IL-7 and IL-7R in the lymphoid system
and highlight the impact of their deregulation, placing a particular emphasis on their 'dark …
Abstract
The cytokine IL-7 and its receptor, IL-7R, are critical for T cell and, in the mouse, B cell development, as well as differentiation and survival of naive T cells, and generation and maintenance of memory T cells. They are also required for innate lymphoid cell (ILC) development and maintenance, and consequently for generation of lymphoid structures and barrier defense. Here we discuss the central role of IL-7 and IL-7R in the lymphoid system and highlight the impact of their deregulation, placing a particular emphasis on their ‘dark side’ as promoters of cancer development. We also explore therapeutic implications and opportunities associated with either positive or negative modulation of the IL-7–IL-7R signaling axis.
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