Human Soluble CD80 is generated by alternative splicing, and recombinant soluble CD80 binds to CD28 and CD152

M Kakoulidou1, R Giscombe, X Zhao

  • 1Immunological Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Center for Molecular Medicine L8: 00, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.

Insights

Soluble CD80 (sCD80) is present in 24% of healthy individuals. This soluble costimulatory factor can inhibit T-cell activation, suggesting potential therapeutic applications for T-cell-related diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • CD80 is a key costimulatory factor primarily found on activated immune cells like monocytes, B cells, and dendritic cells.
  • The existence and function of soluble forms of CD80 (sCD80) in human serum were previously unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the presence and characteristics of soluble CD80 (sCD80) in human serum.
  • To determine the functional relevance and potential immunomodulatory effects of sCD80.

Main Methods:

  • Detection and quantification of sCD80 in healthy individuals' serum.
  • Identification and characterization of different sCD80 mRNA splice variants (s1CD80 and s2CD80) in various immune cells.
  • Assessment of recombinant s1CD80 binding to other immune molecules and T cells.
  • Evaluation of the immunomodulatory effects of recombinant sCD80 on T-cell responses in vitro.

Main Results:

  • Soluble CD80 (sCD80) was detected in the serum of 24% of healthy individuals, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 1 mg/l.
  • Two distinct mRNA splice variants, s1CD80 and s2CD80, were identified in different immune cell populations, differing in their structural domains.
  • Recombinant s1CD80 demonstrated binding to CD152-Ig, CD28-Ig, and T cells, particularly activated T cells.
  • Recombinant sCD80 exhibited immunomodulatory effects, inhibiting the mixed lymphocyte reaction and T-cell proliferation.

Conclusions:

  • Soluble CD80 (sCD80) represents a novel soluble costimulatory factor found in human serum.
  • sCD80 possesses functional activity, including the inhibition of T-cell activation.
  • The findings suggest a potential therapeutic role for sCD80 in treating diseases characterized by T-cell hyperactivation.