Interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) (IL-7R)

The Interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) is a critical type I cytokine receptor primarily expressed on the surface of T cells and their precursors, where it mediates signals essential for lymphocyte development and homeostasis [UniProt: P16871]. The functional receptor is a heterodimer composed of the IL-7 receptor alpha subunit (IL-7Rα, also known as CD127) and the common gamma chain (γc, or CD132) [PubMed: 21930775]. Binding of the IL-7 ligand to this receptor activates the JAK/STAT and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, promoting cell survival, proliferation, and V(D)J recombination during T-cell maturation [NCBI: 3575]. Genetic defects in IL-7R lead to severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), while its over-activation is a hallmark of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and various autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis [PubMed: 28255105]. In drug development, IL-7R is targeted by monoclonal antibodies like lusvertikimab to treat inflammatory diseases by blocking IL-7 and TSLP signaling [ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04882007]. Conversely, recombinant IL-7 (e.g., CYT107) is used as an agonist to enhance immune recovery in patients with lymphopenia or chronic infections [PubMed: 25035958].

Other names

CD127IL-7RAInterleukin-7 receptor subunit alphaCDw127

Antagonism of the IL-7 receptor alpha subunit (CD127) to block IL-7 and TSLP signaling pathways, or agonism via recombinant IL-7 to stimulate T-cell production and survival.