title: Abnormal interleukin-7 function in common variable immunodeficiency.
abstract: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is characterized by low levels of circulating immunoglobulins, leading to frequent infections, particularly of the respiratory tract. Frequently, T-cell abnormalities are observed. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is involved in the homeostasis of lymphocytes, and may be elevated in lymphopenia. Mutations of genes related to IL-7 may lead to severe immunodeficiency disorders. We report elevated plasma levels of circulating IL-7 in a subgroup of CVID. These patients have increased numbers of circulating CD8+ T cells with decreased apoptosis and a predominance of CC chemokine receptor 7- (CCR7-) effector-memory T cells. Moreover, in some of these patients there is impaired response to IL-7 as assessed by in vitro proliferation and secretion of interferon gamma and transforming growth factor beta. These findings suggest novel pathogenic mechanisms and specific targets for further research in CVID.
authors.affiliation: Section of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Medical Center, Oslo, Norway. a.m.holm@klinmed.uio.no
authors.forename: Are Martin
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Holm
authors.forename: Pål
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Aukrust
authors.forename: Jan Kristian
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Damås
authors.forename: Fredrik
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: Bente
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Halvorsen
authors.forename: Stig S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Frøland
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D002455:Cell Division / Q000276:immunology; D017074:Common Variable Immunodeficiency / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015851:Interleukin-7 / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D015851:Interleukin-7