Human Interleukin 7 (IL7) Protein

Background

Interleukin-7 (IL7) is a critical cytokine primarily involved in the development, survival, and homeostasis of immune cells, particularly T cells and B cells. It plays an essential role in lymphopoiesis, ensuring the proper function and maintenance of the adaptive immune system. IL-7 is produced mainly by stromal cells in the bone marrow and thymus, but it is also secreted by epithelial cells in other tissues, such as the intestines, liver, and skin. Unlike many cytokines, IL-7 is not produced by immune cells themselves but acts as a growth factor necessary for immune cell survival and proliferation. IL-7 is vital for the survival of naïve and memory T cells, supporting the homeostasis of these populations throughout life. It also supports the early stages of B cell development in the bone marrow and ensures the development of a healthy and functional immune system. IL-7’s function in maintaining T cell homeostasis and supporting immune recovery has made it a target of interest in immunotherapy, particularly for treating immune deficiencies, enhancing cancer immunotherapy, and facilitating immune reconstitution in HIV patients.