IL7

The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine important for B and T cell development. This cytokine and the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) form a heterodimer that functions as a pre-pro-B cell growth-stimulating factor. IL7 is found to be a cofactor for V(D)J rearrangement of the T cell receptor beta (TCRB) during early T cell development. This cytokine can be produced locally by intestinal epithelial and epithelial goblet cells, and may serve as a regulatory factor for intestinal mucosal lymphocytes. IL7 plays an essential role in lymphoid cell survival, and in the maintenance of naive and memory T cells. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms. Additional splice variants have been described but their presence in normal tissues has not been confirmed. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can be a potent inducer of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines which may defend against the infection, but may also mediate destructive lung injury. Elevated serum IL7 levels, together with several other circulating cytokines and chemokines, has been found to be associated with the severity of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2020]

A protein domain is a distinct structural or functional region within a protein that can evolve, function, and exist independently of the rest of the protein chain. These domains in human IL7 often fold into stable, three-dimensional structures and are associated with specific biological functions, such as binding to DNA, other proteins, or small molecules.

Biological processes and signaling networks where the IL7 gene in human plays a role, providing insight into its function and relevance in health or disease.

The most significant associations for this gene, including commonly observed domains, pathway involvement, and functional highlights based on current data.

Locations within the cell where the protein is known or predicted to be active, providing insight into its function and cellular context.

Describes the biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions associated with the human IL7 gene, providing context for its role in the cell.