Activation of NF-[kappa]B/Rel transcription factors in human primary peripheral blood mononuclear cells by interleukin 7

摘要

Pathways that regulate the activation of NF-[kappa]B/Rel transcription factors are known to include signaling through a number of cytokine receptors. Interleukin 7 (IL-7), produced by bone marrow and other stromal cells, is a key factor for differentiation and survival in the lymphoid and other compartments. We found that human recombinant IL-7 induced NF-[kappa]B/Rel activation, analyzed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA), in human peripheral blood T lymphocytes from healthy donors. Induced complexes included p65 and p50 NF-[kappa]B/Rel subunits. These results demonstrate for the first time that IL-7 can participate in signaling leading to NF-[kappa]B/Rel activation.