IL7R and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: IL-7 is produced by stromal and epithelial cells whereas its receptor is expressed mainly on T cells and monocytes.7, 8 The increased levels of IL-7, IL-7R and TSLPR observed here indicate that IL-7 may have a local pro-inflammatory function increasing the activation and survival of T cells and monocytes in the bronchial submucosa of patients with severe stable COPD.29