Interleukin-7 receptor

Interleukin-7 receptor (also known as IL-7R) is a type of protein that in humans is encoded by the IL7R gene. It is involved in the immune system and plays a crucial role in lymphocyte development.

Structure

The IL-7R is a heterodimer composed of the IL-7R α chain and the common gamma chain, γc. Both of these chains are necessary for IL-7R signal transduction. The IL-7R α chain binds to IL-7 with low affinity, but when it associates with γc, the affinity for IL-7 increases significantly.

Function

IL-7R is expressed on various cell types in the immune system, including naive T cells, memory T cells, and B cells. It is also expressed on hematopoietic stem cells. IL-7R signaling is crucial for lymphocyte development and homeostasis.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the IL7R gene can lead to severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), which is a group of rare genetic disorders that result in severe abnormalities of the immune system. This can lead to a variety of infections and other health problems.

See also

• Interleukin 7
• Interleukin receptor
• Severe combined immunodeficiency

External links

• Interleukin-7 receptor at WikiMD

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