Final answer:
The cytokine IL-7 and its interaction with the pre-BCR receptor on early pro-B cells are essential for the cells' growth and differentiation into mature B cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The interaction between the cytokine IL-7 and the receptor on early pro-B cell called pre-BCR is required for growth and differentiation. The pre-B cell receptor (pre-BCR) is part of a critical checkpoint during B cell development. IL-7 signaling participates in the survival, proliferation, and continued development of early B cell progenitors. In conjunction with other signals, it aids in preparing the developing B cell for further maturation stages, leading to the production of mature B cells capable of producing various immunoglobulins upon activation.