one of a group of related proteins made by leukocytes (white blood cells) and other cells in the body. interleukin-7 is made by cells that cover and support organs, glands, and other structures in the body. it causes the growth of t lymphocytes and b lymphocytes. interleukin-7 made in the laboratory is used as a biological response modifier to boost the immune system in cancer therapy. interleukin-7 is a type of cytokine. also called il-7 and lymphopoietin-1.