Interleukin 7 Receptor alpha (IL-7 R alpha ), also known as CD127, is a 75 kDa hematopoietin receptor superfamily member that plays an important role in lymphocyte differentiation, proliferation, and survival. IL-7 R alpha associates with the common gamma chain ( gamma c) to form the functional high affinity IL-7 receptor complex. The gamma c is also a subunit of the receptors for IL-2, -4, -9, -15, and -21. IL-7 R alpha is expressed on double negative (CD44-/CD8+) and CD4+ or CD8+ single positive T cells as well as on CD8+ memory T cells and their precursors. It is expressed early in B cell development, prior to the appearance of surface IgM. In mouse, IL-7 activation of IL-7 R alpha is critical for both T cell and B cell lineage development. IL-7 induces the downregulation and shedding of cell surface IL‑7 R alpha.IL-7 R alpha additionally associates with TSLP R to form the functional receptor for thymic stromal lymphopoietin.TSLP indirectly regulates T cell development by modulating dendritic cell activation.
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