The B7-1 molecule, expressed on antigen presenting cells (APC), provides a crucial costimulatory signal for T cell activation. Recent studies demonstrate the existence of alternative, non-B7-1 CTLA4 counter-receptors in mice and humans. Here, we describe the molecular cloning and demonstrate costimulatory function of the murine B7-2 (mB7-2) gene. Murine B7-2 cDNA encodes a member of the Ig supergene family that binds CTLA4-Ig and stains with the GL1 but not anti-mB7-1 mAb. Murine B7-2 costimulates the proliferation and interleukin 2 production of CD4+ T cells and this costimulation can be inhibited by either CTLA4-Ig or GL1 mAb. Identification of the B7-2 molecule will permit further manipulation of the B7:CD28/CTLA4 costimulatory pathway which has been shown to be involved in the prevention of tolerance, induction of tumor immunity, and most recently, in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity.

This content is only available as a PDF.
You do not currently have access to this content.