Interleukin-7, a non-redundant potent cytokine whose over-expression massively perturbs B-lymphopoiesis

Interleukin-7, originally described as a factor controlling the survival of B-cell progenitors, has been shown by gene knock-out technology to be a non-redundant cytokine. Of all single cytokine knock-out mice, those in which the IL-7 gene has been ablated show a profound defect in lymphocyte development. Likewise, mice in which signals emanating from the corresponding receptor, whether it be by ablation of the unique alpha or common gamma chain of the receptor, or by interference with downstream signalling elements generated by this receptor complex, also show profound defects in lymphocyte differentiation. Transgenic mice over-expressing the IL-7 gene also show profound changes in lymphocyte development which, in some instances can result in the development of lymphoid tumours. Here, we review some of these aspects of IL-7 biology with particular reference to an IL-7 over-expressing transgenic mouse line in which the IL-7 transgene is controlled by the mouse MHC class II promoter.