IL-7 in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and as a Potential Vaccine Adjuvant

Front Immunol. 2021 Sep 17:12:737406. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.737406. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

IL-7/IL-7R signaling is critical for development, maturation, maintenance and survival of many lymphocytes in the thymus and periphery. IL-7 has been used as immunotherapy in pre-clinical and clinical studies to treat cancer, HIV infection and sepsis. Here, we discuss the critical function of IL-7 in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients. We also summarize a promising role of IL-7 as a vaccine adjuvant. It could potentially enhance the immune responses to vaccines especially against SARS-CoV-2 or other new vaccines.

Keywords: COVID-19; IL-7; IL-7R; SARS-CoV-2; adjuvant.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • COVID-19 / immunology
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • COVID-19 Vaccines / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunogenicity, Vaccine / immunology
  • Interleukin-7 / immunology*
  • Interleukin-7 / metabolism
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7 / metabolism
  • SARS-CoV-2 / immunology*

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • COVID-19 Vaccines
  • IL7 protein, human
  • Interleukin-7
  • Receptors, Interleukin-7