The cytokine IL-7 and its receptor, IL-7R, are critical for T cell and, in the mouse, B cell development, as well as differentiation and survival of naive T cells, and generation and maintenance of memory T cells. They are also required for innate lymphoid cell (ILC) development and maintenance, and consequently for generation of lymphoid structures and barrier defense. Here we discuss the central role of IL-7 and IL-7R in the lymphoid system and highlight the impact of their deregulation, placing a particular emphasis on their 'dark side' as promoters of cancer development. We also explore therapeutic implications and opportunities associated with either positive or negative modulation of the IL-7-IL-7R signaling axis.

中文翻译：

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翻转硬币：健康和疾病中的 IL-7 和 IL-7R。

细胞因子 IL-7 及其受体 IL-7R 对 T 细胞和小鼠中的 B 细胞发育、幼稚 T 细胞的分化和存活以及记忆 T 细胞的产生和维持至关重要。它们也是先天淋巴细胞 (ILC) 发育和维持所必需的，因此也是淋巴结构的生成和屏障防御所必需的。在这里，我们讨论了 IL-7 和 IL-7R 在淋巴系统中的核心作用，并强调了它们放松管制的影响，特别强调了它们作为癌症发展促进剂的“黑暗面”。我们还探讨了与 IL-7-IL-7R 信号轴的正向或负向调节相关的治疗意义和机会。