INTERLEUKINS | IL-7

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a stroma-derived cytokine that is indispensable for thymopoiesis in mice and humans. IL-7 also plays a pivotal role in the generation of memory CD4+ and CD8+ cells, and in controlling the numbers of naive and memory T cells. Its combined effects of increasing thymic output and enhancing homeostatic expansion of T cells make IL-7 a potentially ideal agent to restore immune competence in patients with lymphopenia.