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Interleukin-7
Pronunciation
Definition 1
One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. Interleukin-7 is made by cells that cover and support organs, glands, and other structures in the body. It causes the growth of T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. Interleukin-7 made in the laboratory is used as a biological response modifier to boost the immune system in cancer therapy. Interleukin-7 is a type of cytokine. Also called IL-7 and lymphopoietin-1. (NCI Dictionary)
Definition 2
Encoded by human IL7 Gene, Interleukin-7 is an important cytokine for B and T cell development. This cytokine and HGF form a heterodimer that functions as a pre-pro-B cell growth-stimulating factor. IL7 is a cofactor for V(D)J rearrangement of T cell receptor beta (TCRB) during early T cell development. IL7 can be produced locally by intestinal epithelial and epithelial goblet cells, and may be a regulatory factor for intestinal mucosal lymphocytes. Studies in mice suggest that IL7 plays an essential role in lymphoid cell survival. (NCI Thesaurus/LocusLink)
Definition 3
Hematopoietic growth factor that promotes growth of B-cell precursors and also is co-mitogenic with Interleukin-2 for mature T-cell activation. It is produced by bone marrow stromal cells. (NLM, Medical Subject Headings)
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