IL-7: maintaining T-cell memory and achieving homeostasis.
During an immune response, peripheral T-cell populations expand and then contract as the response subsides, thus maintaining a fairly constant number of CD4 and CD8 T cells throughout the life of the individual. The important factors that control this homeostasis are now beginning to be understood. Interleukin-7 (IL-7) has emerged as a central regulator of the survival and homeostasis of CD4 and CD8 T cells. Both naive and memory T-cell populations are highly dependent on the presence of IL-7 for their persistence and survival. In this Review, we discuss the role of IL-7 in the survival and homeostasis of naive and memory T cells and how that role is regulated by other factors.
Bradley
Linda M
LM
Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, 10835 Altman Row, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
Haynes
Laura
L
Swain
Susan L
SL
D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000502:physiology; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D015851:Interleukin-7 / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological
D015851:Interleukin-7