REVIEW article
Front. Med.
Sec. Infectious Diseases: Pathogenesis and Therapy
Volume 12 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fmed.2025.1649049
Potential of Interleukin-7 in Sepsis as a Biomarker and Therapeutic Agent: A Narrative Review
Provisionally accepted
- 1Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
- 2University College London Institute for Global Health, London, United Kingdom
- 3Ordos Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, ordos, China
- 4First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Objective: This study seeks to examine the dynamics of endogenous interleukin-7 (IL-7) and its associated regulatory factors in sepsis, and to elucidate the mechanisms by which exogenous IL-7 may confer therapeutic benefits. The ultimate objective is to evaluate its dual potential as a clinical biomarker and as a novel therapeutic agent. Method: We searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from inception to April 24, 2025, using terms such as Interleukin-7, CD127, CYT107, Interleukin-7 receptor, sepsis, septic shock, and lymphopenia. Results: In sepsis, endogenous IL-7 levels rise from a low baseline and may remain elevated for a prolonged period. Exogenous IL-7 can enhance immune function, regulate inflammation, and exert anti-apoptotic effects. Endogenous IL‑7 levels may represent a potential prognostic indicator in sepsis. Exogenous IL-7 may modulate immune function in patients with clinical sepsis but does not reduce mortality. Conclusion: Endogenous IL-7 is closely associated with sepsis, whereas exogenous IL-7 shows promise for aiding the recovery of patients with sepsis, although further research is required.
Keywords: Sepsis, IL-7, septic shock, immune dysfunction, Interleukin-7
Received: 18 Jun 2025; Accepted: 26 Sep 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Zhang, Liu, Tie, Meng and Liang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Qun Liang, qunliang111@163.com
Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.