B7-H4, a molecule of the B7 family, negatively regulates T cell immunity

Immunity. 2003 Jun;18(6):849-61. doi: 10.1016/s1074-7613(03)00152-3.

Abstract

We identify a B7 family molecule, B7-H4, by protein sequence analysis and comparative molecular modeling. While B7-H4 mRNA is widely distributed in mouse and human peripheral tissues, cell surface expression of B7-H4 protein is limited and shows an inducible pattern on hematopoietic cells. Putative receptor of B7-H4 can be upregulated on activated T cells. By arresting cell cycle, B7-H4 ligation of T cells has a profound inhibitory effect on the growth, cytokine secretion, and development of cytotoxicity. Administration of B7-H4Ig into mice impairs antigen-specific T cell responses whereas blockade of endogenous B7-H4 by specific monoclonal antibody promotes T cell responses. B7-H4 thus may participate in negative regulation of cell-mediated immunity in peripheral tissues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • B7-1 Antigen / genetics
  • B7-1 Antigen / immunology*
  • B7-1 Antigen / metabolism
  • Blotting, Northern
  • Cell Cycle / physiology
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • V-Set Domain-Containing T-Cell Activation Inhibitor 1

Substances

  • B7-1 Antigen
  • V-Set Domain-Containing T-Cell Activation Inhibitor 1
  • VTCN1 protein, human
  • Vtcn1 protein, mouse