Expression and functional properties of mouse B7/BB1 using a fusion protein between mouse CTLA4 and human gamma 1

We report the construction and expression of a fusion protein made from the extracellular portion of the mouse CTLA-4 gene and the constant region of human IgG1. This fusion protein behaves like an antibody to mouse B7/BB1, binding to activated B cells and purified dendritic cells. In addition, we found it to bind to activated T cells. The fusion protein interfered with the ability of antigen-pulsed antigen-presenting cells to induce proliferation of T-cell clones, although the degree of inhibition varied. These findings are discussed in the light of the physiological activation of T cells in secondary lymphoid organs.