Co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory checkpoint proteins
Our innate immune system is an intricate checks and balances system that incorporates numerous positive and negative co-stimulatory molecules. In particular, the B7 membrane protein family has shown to play a collaborative role in regulating T cell responses, either transmitting the ‘second’ signal in tandem with CD28 or CTLA-4 to stimulate T cell proliferation, T cell differentiation, inhibit immune responses, or induce antigenic tolerance. Depending on the receptor interaction, T lymphocyte mediated immune response can be either inhibited or stimulated.
Currently, the B7 membrane protein family includes 11 members, listed below:
