| IL7R — Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha Chain | |
|---|---|
| Symbol | IL7R |
| Full Name | Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha Chain |
| Chromosome | 5p13.2 |
| NCBI Gene | 3575 |
| Ensembl | ENSG00000168685 |
| OMIM | 146661 |
| UniProt | P16871 |
| Diseases | Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease |
| Expression | T cells, B cells, brain (neurons, microglia) |
IL7R (Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha Chain) is a gene located on chromosome 5p13.2 that encodes the alpha chain of the interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7Rα). This receptor is essential for T cell development and survival and has been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases through its role in neuroinflammation and immune regulation[1]. Genetic variants in IL7R are associated with increased risk for multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions[2].
The IL7R gene spans approximately 16 kb of genomic DNA on chromosome 5p13.2 and consists of 8 exons. The gene encodes a 439 amino acid type I transmembrane protein that forms the IL-7 receptor α chain. This chain pairs with the common gamma chain (γc, encoded by IL2RG) to form the functional IL-7 receptor[3].
The IL-7 receptor plays critical roles in immune system development and function:
In the central nervous system, IL-7R is expressed on:
IL7R is one of the most significant genetic risk factors for MS:
IL7R has been implicated in AD through neuroinflammation:
In PD, IL7R contributes to neuroinflammation:
IL7R variants have also been associated with:
IL7R represents a therapeutic target: