Description
Inducible co-stimulator ligand (ICOSL), also known as B7-H2, is a member of the B7 family of co-stimulatory molecules related to B7-1 and B7-2. It is a transmembrane glycoprotein with extracellular IgV and IgC domains and binds to ICOS on activated T cells, thus delivers a positive costimulatory signal for optimal T cell function. The structural features of ICOSL are crucial for its costimulatory function. The present study shows that ICOSL displays a marked oligomerization potential, resembling more like B7-1 than B7-2. B7-H2-dependent signaling may play an active role in a proliferative response rather than in cytokine and chemokine production. The CD28/B7 and ICOS/B7-H2 pathways are both critical for costimulating T cell immune responses. Deficiency in either pathway results in defective T cell activation, cytokine production, and germinal center formation.