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Extending the B7 (CD80) gene family
P S Linsley1, R Peach, P Gladstone
1Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceutical Research Institute, Seattle, Washington 98121.
Protein Science : a Publication of the Protein Society
|August 1, 1994
Summary
B7-1 and B7-2 molecules, crucial for T cell responses, share structural similarities with MHC-encoded proteins. This suggests a potential evolutionary link between antigen-specific and co-stimulatory immune signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
Background:
- B7-1 and B7-2 are immunoglobulin superfamily members regulating T cell immunity.
- They bind common T cell receptors (CD28, CTLA-4) with similar functions despite low sequence identity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary relationship between B7 molecules and major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-encoded proteins.
- To explore potential links between antigen-specific and co-stimulatory immune responses.
Main Methods:
- Sequence similarity analysis of extracellular V (ariable)-like domains.
- Comparison of B7-1/B7-2 with MHC-encoded immunoglobulin superfamily members.
Main Results:
- B7-1 and B7-2 extracellular domains show significant sequence similarity to MHC-encoded butyrophilin, myelin/oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, and chicken B-G.
- This structural homology suggests a shared evolutionary origin.
Conclusions:
- A potential evolutionary link exists between MHC molecules and B7 co-stimulatory molecules.
- This finding may unify understanding of antigen recognition and T cell co-stimulation in immune responses.