Exploiting differential expression of the IL-7 receptor on memory T cells to modulate immune responses

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a pivotal cytokine in the early thymic development of human T lymphocytes. However, IL-7 is also important in the later homeostasis of a large proportion of resting mature CD4 T lymphocytes, through expression of the receptor for IL-7. As a result, IL-7 signalling also indirectly affects the many other cell types that interact with CD4 T lymphocytes in immune responses. However, not all memory CD4 T lymphocytes express the IL-7 receptor, and in the case of memory CD4 T cells, IL-7R+and IL-7R- cells, respectively, can have opposing regulatory functions.

Source: Cytokine and Growth Factor Reviews - July 28, 2014 Category: Molecular Biology Authors: John J. Zaunders, Yves Lévy, Nabila Seddiki Source Type: research