Molecular mechanisms of T cell co-stimulation and co-inhibition

Abstract

Co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules are cell surface receptors and ligands that are classified into various families on the basis of their structure and functions. After interaction with their specific ligands or counter-receptors that positively and negatively regulate T cell function, co-signalling receptors trigger biochemical signals in T cells. Multiple co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory receptors are expressed differentially during specific phases of T cell differentiation and on specific subsets of T cells to direct T cell regulation and function. Co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules constitute important targets for immune modulation and the treatment of human diseases.