Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a multipotent cytokine that maintains the homeostasis of the immune system. IL-7 plays a vital role in T-cell development, proliferation, and differentiation, as well as in B cell maturation through the activation of the IL-7 receptor (IL-7R). IL-7 is closely associated with tumor development and has been used in cancer clinical research and therapy. In this review, we first summarize the roles of IL-7 and IL-7Rα and their downstream signaling pathways in immunity and cancer. Furthermore, we summarize and discuss the recent advances in the use of IL-7 and IL-7Rα as cancer immunotherapy tools and highlight their potential for therapeutic applications. This review will help in the development of cancer immunotherapy regimens based on IL-7 and IL-7Rα, and will also advance their exploitation as more effective and safe immunotherapy tools.

Cancer therapies have evolved from traditional chemotherapy to more precise molecular-targeted immunotherapies, which have been associated with improved side effects and outcomes. These modern strategies rely on cancer-specific biomarkers that differentiate malignant from normal cells. The B7 family of immune checkpoint molecules is crucial for cancer immune evasion and a prime therapeutic target. B7-H6, a recently identified member of the B7 family, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target. Unlike other B7 proteins, B7-H6 is not expressed in healthy tissues but is upregulated in several cancers. It binds to NKp30, activating natural killer (NK) cells and triggering immune responses against cancer cells. This review explores the expression of B7-H6 in different cancers, the factors that regulate its expression, and its intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. Additionally, we discuss potential anticancer therapies targeting B7-H6, highlighting its significance in advancing precision medicine. Understanding the role of B7-H6 in cancer immunity may inform the development of appropriate therapies that exploit its cancer-specific expression.