IL7R Gene - Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha Chain

IL7R Gene - Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha Chain

<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">IL7R — Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha Chain</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Symbol</td>
<td><strong>IL7R</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha Chain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosome</td>
<td>5p13.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/3575" target="_blank">3575</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl</td>
<td><a href="https://ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/Gene/Summary?g=ENSG00000168685" target="_blank">ENSG00000168685</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">OMIM</td>
<td><a href="https://omim.org/entry/146661" target="_blank">146661</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt</td>
<td><a href="https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P16871" target="_blank">P16871</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Diseases</td>
<td>[Multiple Sclerosis](/diseases/multiple-sclerosis), [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers), [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Expression</td>
<td>T cells, B cells, brain ([neurons](/entities/neurons), microglia)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Associated Diseases</td>
<td><a href="/wiki/als" style="color:#ef9a9a">ALS</a>, <a href="/wiki/aging" style="color:#ef9a9a">Aging</a>, <a href="/wiki/als" style="color:#ef9a9a">Als</a>, <a href="/

IL7R Gene - Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha Chain

<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">IL7R — Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha Chain</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Symbol</td>
<td><strong>IL7R</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha Chain</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosome</td>
<td>5p13.2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene</td>
<td><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/3575" target="_blank">3575</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl</td>
<td><a href="https://ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/Gene/Summary?g=ENSG00000168685" target="_blank">ENSG00000168685</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">OMIM</td>
<td><a href="https://omim.org/entry/146661" target="_blank">146661</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt</td>
<td><a href="https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P16871" target="_blank">P16871</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Diseases</td>
<td>[Multiple Sclerosis](/diseases/multiple-sclerosis), [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers), [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Expression</td>
<td>T cells, B cells, brain ([neurons](/entities/neurons), microglia)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Associated Diseases</td>
<td><a href="/wiki/als" style="color:#ef9a9a">ALS</a>, <a href="/wiki/aging" style="color:#ef9a9a">Aging</a>, <a href="/wiki/als" style="color:#ef9a9a">Als</a>, <a href="/wiki/autoimmune" style="color:#ef9a9a">Autoimmune</a>, <a href="/wiki/fibrosis" style="color:#ef9a9a">Fibrosis</a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">71 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>

IL7R — Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha Chain

Overview

Il7R Gene Interleukin 7 Receptor Alpha Chain plays an important role in the study of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides comprehensive information about this topic, including its mechanisms, significance in disease processes, and therapeutic implications.

Introduction

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].

Gene Structure

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].

Normal Function

The IL-7 receptor plays critical roles in immune system development and function:

In the central nervous system, IL-7R is expressed on:

• Neurons (particularly in [hippocampus](/brain-regions/hippocampus) and cortex)
• [Microglia](/cell-types/microglia-neuroinflammation)
• [Astrocytes](/entities/astrocytes)
• [Oligodendrocytes](/cell-types/oligodendrocytes)

Disease Associations

Multiple Sclerosis

IL7R is one of the most significant genetic risk factors for MS:

• GWAS association: Common variants in IL7R are strongly associated with MS susceptibility (odds ratio ~1.2)
• Functional variant: A non-synonymous coding variant (C378R) affects receptor function
• Mechanism: Altered IL-7R signaling affects T cell homeostasis and autoimmunity

Alzheimer's Disease

IL7R has been implicated in AD through neuroinflammation:

• Neuroinflammation: IL-7 signaling in the brain can promote inflammatory responses
• Microglial activation: IL-7R on microglia promotes pro-inflammatory activation
• Cognitive function: IL-7R signaling may affect cognitive processes

Parkinson's Disease

In PD, IL7R contributes to neuroinflammation:

• Dopaminergic neurons: IL-7 can be toxic to dopaminergic neurons
• Microglial activation: IL-7R signaling promotes microglial activation
• T cell infiltration: May contribute to adaptive immune responses in PD

Other Neurological Conditions

IL7R variants have also been associated with:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmunity)
• Type 1 diabetes
• Inflammatory bowel disease

Therapeutic Implications

IL7R represents a therapeutic target:

• IL-7R blockade: Blocking IL-7R signaling may reduce neuroinflammation
• MS therapy: IL-7R targeting is being explored for MS treatment
• Immunomodulation: Modulating IL-7R may benefit neurodegenerative conditions

Key Publications

See Also

• [Multiple Sclerosis](/diseases/multiple-sclerosis)
• [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
• [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
• [Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/neuroinflammation)
• [TREM2](/genes/trem2)
• [Microglia in Neurodegeneration](/microglia-in-neurodegeneration)

External Links

• [NCBI Gene: IL7R](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/3575)
• [UniProt: IL7R](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P16871)
• [Ensembl: IL7R](https://ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/Gene/Summary?g=ENSG00000168685)
• [OMIM: IL7R](https://omim.org/entry/146661)

Overview

Il7R Gene Interleukin 7 Receptor Alpha Chain plays an important role in the study of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides comprehensive information about this topic, including its mechanisms, significance in disease processes, and therapeutic implications.

Background

The study of Il7R Gene Interleukin 7 Receptor Alpha Chain has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.

Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.

Brain Atlas Resources

• [Allen Human Brain Atlas - IL7R Expression](https://human.brain-map.org/microarray/search/show?search_term=IL7R)
• [Allen Cell Type Atlas - IL7R](https://celltypes.brain-map.org/)
• [BrainSpan - IL7R Developmental Expression](https://brainspan.org/)
• [Allen Mouse Brain Atlas - IL7R](https://mouse.brain-map.org/)

References

[^1]: [Reference missing - citation needed]

[^2]: [Reference missing - citation needed]

[^3]: [Reference missing - citation needed]

Pathway Diagram

The following diagram shows the key molecular relationships involving IL7R Gene - Interleukin-7 Receptor Alpha Chain discovered through SciDEX knowledge graph analysis: