Definition

A recombinant protein which is chemically identical to or similar to endogenous interleukin-7 (IL-7) with hematopoietic and immunopotentiating properties. Produced by bone marrow, thymic stromal, and spleen cells, the cytokine interleukin-7 is a hematopoietic growth factor for progenitor B cells and T cells and stimulates proliferation and differentiation of mature T-cells and natural killer cells.