The human growth factor interleukin-7 (IL-7) appears to be an essential factor for early lymphoid B- and T-cell development. The long-term objective is to test its efficacy both in vitro and in vivo in improving bone marrow transplantation and gene transfer protocols. Natural IL-7 was recently cloned and expressed in COS-7 cells but is not commercially available. This Phase I project specifically aims to develop a recombinant DNA system to produce IL-7. The approach to be used will involve the assembly of a synthetic gene coding for human IL-7. The gene will be cloned into a plasmid and expressed in E. coli. Production of the gene product will be optimized so that IL-7 can be economically produced. High-level expression of IL-7 will enable Phase II research to focus on the E. coli fermentation scale-up, purification, and renaturation of IL-7 to yield biologically active IL-7.Awardee's statement of the potential commercial applications of the research:Biologically active human IL-7 produced from this research will be available in large quantities to allow testing for efficacy in improving bone marrow transplantation and gene transfer protocols.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
