IL-7 in human health and disease SEMINARS IN IMMUNOLOGY Lundstroem, W., Fewkes, N. M., Mackall, C. L. 2012; 24 (3): 218-224

Abstract

IL-7 plays many essential roles in human health and disease. Congenital deficiencies in IL-7 signaling result in profound immunodeficiency, polymorphisms in IL7Ra modulate susceptibility to autoimmune disease, and acquired somatic activating mutations in IL7Ra contribute to neoplastic transformation in B cell and T cell leukemia. In response to lymphopenia, IL-7 accumulates to supranormal levels, which alters T cell homeostasis by augmenting T cell reactivity toward self and cognate antigens. This physiologic response is now routinely exploited to improve the efficacy of adoptive cell therapies for cancer. Clinical trials of recombinant IL-7 have demonstrated safety and potent immunorestorative effects, and current studies are investigating whether rhIL-7 therapy can improve outcomes in chronic viral infection and in the context of cancer immunotherapies. Building upon the large fund of knowledge regarding the basic biology of IL-7, this review will discuss the many and varied roles of IL-7 in human health and disease.

View details for DOI 10.1016/j.smim.2012.02.005

View details for Web of Science ID 000304584300009

View details for PubMedID 22410365