IL7 (Interleukin-7) is a critical cytokine for lymphocyte development and homeostasis. Originally discovered for its role in B and T cell development, IL-7 is now recognized as an important factor in the immune system and has emerging roles in neurobiology. In the nervous system, IL-7 is expressed in various cell types and influences neuroinflammation, neural precursor cell function, and has been implicated in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders[1][2].
| Symbol | IL7 |
| NCBI Gene ID | 3564 |
| Chromosome | 8q21.11 |
| Protein Class | Cytokine |
| Molecular Weight | ~20 kDa (glycosylated) |
IL-7 has essential functions in immune development and homeostasis:
IL-7 signals through a heterodimeric receptor:
IL-7 activates multiple signaling cascades:
IL-7 expression is primarily in stromal cells:
| Cell Type | Expression Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thymic epithelial cells | High | Stromal cells |
| Bone marrow | High | Stromal fibroblasts |
| Intestinal epithelium | High | Gut stromal cells |
| Neurons | Low | Constitutive |
| Astrocytes | Low-Moderate | Inducible |
IL-7 pathway is being explored:
Jiang et al. IL-7 in immune system (2005). 2005. ↩︎
Michaelsson et al. IL-7 in CNS (2016). 2016. ↩︎
Sportes et al. IL-7 in T cell homeostasis (2008). 2008. ↩︎
Huang et al. IL-7R and Alzheimer's disease (2019). 2019. ↩︎
Lundmark et al. IL-7R in multiple sclerosis (2007). 2007. ↩︎