Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Interleucina-7
Interleukin-7 (in-ter-LOO-kin)
One of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. Interleukin-7 is made by cells that cover and support organs, glands, and other structures in the body. It causes the growth of T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes. Interleukin-7 made in the laboratory is used as a biological response modifier to boost the immune system in cancer therapy. Interleukin-7 is a type of cytokine. Also called IL-7 and lymphopoietin-1.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.