The role of IL-7 in Immunity and Cancer

Anticancer Res. 2017 Mar;37(3):963-967. doi: 10.21873/anticanres.11405.

Abstract

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a cytokine that has been known since long in immunology, mainly regarding its effects on T-cells and B-cells. IL-7 has been demonstrated to be necessary for both B-cell and T-cell proliferation and lack of IL-7 causes immature immune cell arrest. Interestingly, in recent years, certain studies have strongly suggested that the role of IL-7 is far beyond the field of immunology, it might have direct or indirect effect on cancer. This review aims to summarize the role of IL-7 in immunity and its role in the pathogenesis of neoplasia.

Keywords: IL-7; immunity cancer; review.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acid Phosphatase / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Gene Rearrangement
  • Humans
  • Immune System / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-7 / physiology*
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Promoter Regions, Genetic
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • IL7 protein, human
  • Interleukin-7
  • Acid Phosphatase
  • prostatic acid phosphatase