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

The Interleukin-7 receptor complex (IL-7R) is a heterodimeric type I cytokine receptor essential for the adaptive immune system [UniProt P16871, P31785]. It consists of two subunits: the Interleukin-7 receptor alpha chain (IL-7Rα, also known as CD127) and the common cytokine receptor gamma chain (γc, or CD132), which is shared with other interleukin receptors [PubMed 17473852]. This complex primarily signals through the Janus kinase (JAK) 1 and 3 and Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) 5 pathways to regulate the development, survival, and maintenance of T cells and B cells [NCBI Gene 3575]. Dysregulation of IL-7R signaling is implicated in various pathologies; loss-of-function mutations cause Severe Combined Immunodeficiency (SCID), while gain-of-function mutations or overexpression are associated with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis [PubMed 21909101]. Therapeutic strategies targeting the IL-7R complex include recombinant IL-7 agonists (e.g., Efinesakin alfa) to boost immune function in lymphopenic patients and monoclonal antibodies (e.g., Lusvertikimab) to block signaling in inflammatory diseases or hematologic malignancies [ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04021069].

Other names

CD127/CD132 complexIL-7 receptor alpha/common gamma chain complexIL7R/IL2RG complexIL-7 receptor heterodimer

Agonism of the receptor complex to stimulate lymphopoiesis and T-cell survival; Antagonism of the IL-7R alpha subunit to inhibit pro-inflammatory signaling and leukemic cell proliferation.