interleukin 7 receptor
Last updated 18 Aug 2020
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
- DownloadDownload
- Share
- Language
- Discussion
- Audio Version
- Add to preferred sources on Google
The IL7R gene provides instructions for making a protein called interleukin 7 (IL-7) receptor alpha chain. This protein is one piece of both the IL-7 receptor and the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) receptor. These receptors are embedded in the cell membrane of immune system cells. The IL-7 receptor is found in B cells and T cells as well as the early blood-forming cells that give rise to them. The TSLP receptor is found in several types of immune cells, including B cells, T cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells. These cells identify foreign substances and defend the body against infection and disease.
Normal function
The IL7R gene provides instructions for making a protein called interleukin 7 (IL-7) receptor alpha chain. This protein is one piece of both the IL-7 receptor and the thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) receptor. These receptors are embedded in the cell membrane of immune system cells. The IL-7 receptor is found in B cells and T cells as well as the early blood-forming cells that give rise to them. The TSLP receptor is found in several types of immune cells, including B cells, T cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells. These cells identify foreign substances and defend the body against infection and disease.
At the cell surface, the IL-7 receptor interacts with a protein called IL-7. IL-7 is a cytokine, which is a protein that regulates the activity of immune system cells. The receptor and cytokine fit together like a lock and its key, triggering a series of chemical signals inside the cell. In early blood-forming cells, signaling through the IL-7 receptor ensures the development of mature B cells and T cells. IL-7 receptor signaling also stimulates the later growth and division (proliferation) and survival of these cells.
Similarly, the TSLP receptor interacts with the cytokine TSLP. Attachment of TSLP to its receptor triggers a set of signals that support proliferation and maturation of a variety of immune system cells.
Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome
Other names
CD127
CD127 antigen
CDW127
IL-7 receptor subunit alpha
IL-7R subunit alpha
IL-7R-alpha
IL-7RA
IL7RA
IL7RA_HUMAN
ILRA
interleukin 7 receptor alpha chain
interleukin 7 receptor isoform H5-6
interleukin-7 receptor subunit alpha
interleukin-7 receptor subunit alpha precursor
Related patient information and medicines
Patient information leaflet
Mouth cancer
Immunotherapy is treatment that aims to boost the body's own immune system to destroy the cancer cells. It is also sometimes called biological therapy: Recombinant interleukin (rIL-2) is a form of immunotherapy. It is not known yet whether being treated with a targeted therapy or immunotherapy improves the outcome for people with mouth cancer. How.
Patient information leaflet
Can I take Bisoprolol and Trimbow together?
Bisoprolol and Trimbow (which contains formoterol) work in opposite ways on the airways. It also makes the formoterol in the Trimbow inhaler less effective at opening your airways. Why this happens Bisoprolol is a 'beta-blocker' and formoterol (in Trimbow) is a 'beta-agonist'. They compete for the same receptors in the lungs. Always consult your.
Patient information leaflet
Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a condition where muscles become easily tired and weak. It is due to a problem with how the nerves stimulate the muscles to tighten (contract). The muscles around the eyes are commonly affected first. This causes drooping eyelids and double vision. Treatment is usually effective. However, relapses are common and many.
Patient information leaflet
Diabetic kidney disease
It can progress to kidney failure in some cases. Treatment aims to prevent or delay the progression of the disease. Also, it aims to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke which are much more common than average in people with this disease. To find out more about the kidneys and urine, see the leaflet.
Patient information leaflet
Can I take Codeine and Morphine together?
Taking codeine and morphine together significantly increases the risk of serious side effects, including extreme sleepiness, dizziness, and dangerous breathing problems. Why this happens Both codeine and morphine work by attaching to the same receptors in the brain and spinal cord to block pain. Our Medicines Interaction Checker helps you check.
Patient information leaflet
Mastocytosis and mast cell disorders
Mast cells are hard-working cells that have many functions, including helping to fight infection. However, mast cell disorders can occur in which too many cells are produced or they become overactive. What are the types of mast cell disorder. Mastocytosis This is the term used when too many mast cells are produced. There are many different types.
Further reading and references
- interleukin 7 receptor; MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- Akashi K, Kondo M, Weissman IL. Role of interleukin-7 in T-cell development from hematopoietic stem cells. Immunol Rev. 1998 Oct;165:13-28. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-065x.1998.tb01226.x.
- Corfe SA, Paige CJ. The many roles of IL-7 in B cell development; mediator of survival, proliferation and differentiation. Semin Immunol. 2012 Jun;24(3):198-208. doi: 10.1016/j.smim.2012.02.001. Epub 2012 Mar 14.
- Giliani S, Mori L, de Saint Basile G, Le Deist F, Rodriguez-Perez C, Forino C, Mazzolari E, Dupuis S, Elhasid R, Kessel A, Galambrun C, Gil J, Fischer A, Etzioni A, Notarangelo LD. Interleukin-7 receptor alpha (IL-7Ralpha) deficiency: cellular and molecular bases. Analysis of clinical, immunological, and molecular features in 16 novel patients. Immunol Rev. 2005 Feb;203:110-26. doi: 10.1111/j.0105-2896.2005.00234.x.
- Gregory SG, Schmidt S, Seth P, Oksenberg JR, Hart J, Prokop A, Caillier SJ, Ban M, Goris A, Barcellos LF, Lincoln R, McCauley JL, Sawcer SJ, Compston DA, Dubois B, Hauser SL, Garcia-Blanco MA, Pericak-Vance MA, Haines JL; Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Group. Interleukin 7 receptor alpha chain (IL7R) shows allelic and functional association with multiple sclerosis. Nat Genet. 2007 Sep;39(9):1083-91. doi: 10.1038/ng2103. Epub 2007 Jul 29.
- He R, Geha RS. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2010 Jan;1183:13-24. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05128.x.
- Lundmark F, Duvefelt K, Iacobaeus E, Kockum I, Wallstrom E, Khademi M, Oturai A, Ryder LP, Saarela J, Harbo HF, Celius EG, Salter H, Olsson T, Hillert J. Variation in interleukin 7 receptor alpha chain (IL7R) influences risk of multiple sclerosis. Nat Genet. 2007 Sep;39(9):1108-13. doi: 10.1038/ng2106. Epub 2007 Jul 29.
- Puel A, Ziegler SF, Buckley RH, Leonard WJ. Defective IL7R expression in T(-)B(+)NK(+) severe combined immunodeficiency. Nat Genet. 1998 Dec;20(4):394-7. doi: 10.1038/3877.
- Shochat C, Tal N, Bandapalli OR, Palmi C, Ganmore I, te Kronnie G, Cario G, Cazzaniga G, Kulozik AE, Stanulla M, Schrappe M, Biondi A, Basso G, Bercovich D, Muckenthaler MU, Izraeli S. Gain-of-function mutations in interleukin-7 receptor-alpha (IL7R) in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemias. J Exp Med. 2011 May 9;208(5):901-8. doi: 10.1084/jem.20110580. Epub 2011 May 2.
- Zenatti PP, Ribeiro D, Li W, Zuurbier L, Silva MC, Paganin M, Tritapoe J, Hixon JA, Silveira AB, Cardoso BA, Sarmento LM, Correia N, Toribio ML, Kobarg J, Horstmann M, Pieters R, Brandalise SR, Ferrando AA, Meijerink JP, Durum SK, Yunes JA, Barata JT. Oncogenic IL7R gain-of-function mutations in childhood T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nat Genet. 2011 Sep 4;43(10):932-9. doi: 10.1038/ng.924.
Join the conversation
Share your thoughts or experiences with others in our patient communities.
Ask, share, connect.
Browse discussions, ask questions, and share experiences across hundreds of health topics.
Sign up to the Patient newsletter
Your weekly dose of clear, trustworthy health advice - written to help you feel informed, confident and in control.
By subscribing you accept our Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe at any time. We never sell your data.