Description
B7-1 and B7-2 are homologous costimulatory ligands expressed on the surface of antigen presenting cells (APCs), both are type 1 transmembrane proteins with a membrane distal IgV and a membrane proximal IgC domain. They share ~25% sequence homology and interact with the same receptors, CD28 and CTLA-4.Binding of these molecules to the T cell costimulatory receptors, CD28 and CTLA-4, is essential for the activation and regulation of T cell immunity. T cell activation requires engagement of the T cell receptor (TCR) with the peptide–MHC complex presented on the cell surface of antigen presenting cells (APCs). In addition to this antigen-specific interaction, a second interaction involving costimulatory receptors (CD28, ICOS) on T cells and their respective ligands (B7-1/B7-2, ICOS-L) on APCs is required for optimal T cell activation. B7-1 and B7-2 may also function to deliver signal into dendritic cells. While B7-1 favors binding to CTLA-4, B7-2 shows a preference for CD28.