Exploiting differential expression of the IL-7 receptor on memory T cells to modulate immune responses

Cytokine Growth Factor Rev. 2014 Aug;25(4):391-401. doi: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2014.07.012. Epub 2014 Jul 29.

Abstract

Interleukin-7 is a non-redundant growth, differentiation and survival factor for human T lymphocytes. Most circulating, mature T cells express the receptor for IL-7, but not all. Importantly, CD4 Tregs express greatly reduced levels of IL-7R compared to conventional CD4 T cells, presenting an opportunity to selectively target the latter cells with either more IL-7 to boost responses, or to block IL-7 signalling to limit responses. This article reviews what is known about regulation of IL-7R expression, and recent progress in therapeutic approaches related to IL-7 and its receptor.

Keywords: IL-7R therapy; T cell.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Immunologic Memory / immunology
  • Interleukin-7 / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-7 / immunology*
  • Interleukin-7 / therapeutic use*
  • Interleukin-7 Receptor alpha Subunit / biosynthesis
  • Interleukin-7 Receptor alpha Subunit / immunology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation / immunology*
  • Lymphopenia / immunology
  • Neoplasms / therapy
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*

Substances

  • IL7 protein, human
  • Interleukin-7
  • Interleukin-7 Receptor alpha Subunit