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Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Generation of Induced Regulatory T Cells from Primary Human Naïve and Memory T Cells
Published on: April 16, 2012
Exploiting differential expression of the IL-7 receptor on memory T cells to modulate immune responses
John J Zaunders1, Yves Lévy2, Nabila Seddiki3
1Centre for Applied Medical Research, St. Vincent's Hospital, Australia; Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Abstract:
Interleukin-7 is a non-redundant growth, differentiation and survival factor for human T lymphocytes. Most circulating, mature T cells express the receptor for IL-7, but not all. Importantly, CD4 Tregs express greatly reduced levels of IL-7R compared to conventional CD4 T cells, presenting an opportunity to selectively target the latter cells with either more IL-7 to boost responses, or to block IL-7 signalling to limit responses. This article reviews what is known about regulation of IL-7R expression, and recent progress in therapeutic approaches related to IL-7 and its receptor.
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