The B7 Family of Ligands and Its Receptors: New Pathways for Costimulation and Inhibition of Immune Responses

T cell activation is dependent upon signals delivered through the antigen-specific T cell receptor and accessory receptors on the T cell. A primary costimulatory signal is delivered through the CD28 receptor after engagement of its ligands, B7-1 (CD80) or B7-2 (CD86). Engagement of CTLA-4 (CD152) by the same B7-1 or B7-2 ligands results in attenuation of T cells responses. Recently, molecular homologs of CD28 and CTLA-4 receptors and their B7-like ligands have been identified. ICOS is a CD28-like costimulatory receptor with a unique B7-like ligand. PD-1 is an inhibitory receptor, with two B7-like ligands. Additional members of B7 and CD28 gene families have been proposed. Integration of signals through this…