Interleukin-7 receptor subunit alpha (CD127) (IL7Rα or CD127)

The Interleukin-7 receptor subunit alpha (IL7Rα, also known as CD127) is a type I cytokine receptor subunit that forms part of the functional IL-7 receptor complex (with the common gamma chain) and the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) receptor, embedded in the membranes of immune cells such as T cells, B cells, NK cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells. It binds IL-7, a cytokine essential for the development, proliferation, survival, and homeostasis of these lymphocytes by triggering signaling pathways including JAK1/JAK3-STAT5, PI3K-Akt, and Src kinases, which promote anti-apoptotic factors like Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 while supporting glucose metabolism and preventing cell atrophy. IL7Rα signaling is non-redundant for early T- and B-cell lymphopoiesis in the thymus and bone marrow, ensuring maturation of naïve and memory T cells, and maintaining peripheral immune homeostasis. Dysregulation plays key roles in diseases: loss-of-function mutations cause T-B+NK+ SCID with recurrent infections due to T-cell deficiency, while gain-of-function alterations lead to constitutive signaling and proliferation in B-cell or T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Common variants like Thr244Ile increase multiple sclerosis risk by disrupting receptor surface expression and promoting autoimmunity. Therapeutically, it is targeted by antagonistic monoclonal antibodies like OSE-127 to block signaling in inflammatory conditions, with recombinant IL-7 explored for immune reconstitution, though challenges include balancing efficacy against risks of immunodeficiency or oncogenesis.

Other names

IL-7 receptor alpha chainIL7RCD127

Antagonistic monoclonal antibodies blocking IL-7 receptor signaling