Co-stimulatory receptor–ligand pairs at the DC–T cell interface (DC-T Co-stimulation)

The co-stimulatory receptor–ligand pairs at the dendritic cell (DC)–T cell interface represent a critical regulatory layer of the adaptive immune system, providing the second signal necessary for full T cell activation following antigen recognition (Chen & Flies, 2013, Nature Reviews Immunology). This interface, often called the immunological synapse, involves multiple distinct molecular pathways, primarily the B7-CD28 family (e.g., CD80/CD86 interacting with CD28) and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily (e.g., CD40-CD40L, OX40-OX40L, and 4-1BB-4-1BBL) (Schildberg et al., 2016, Immunity). These interactions determine the magnitude, duration, and quality of the T cell response, influencing differentiation into effector or memory subsets. In cancer, these pathways are frequently targeted by agonistic antibodies (e.g., against 4-1BB or OX40) to enhance anti-tumor immunity, while in autoimmune diseases and transplantation, they are targeted by inhibitory fusion proteins or antibodies (e.g., Abatacept) to suppress pathological immune responses (Mellman et al., 2011, Nature). Because this entry describes a functional interface involving numerous independent protein-protein interactions rather than a single discrete molecule, it is classified as a therapeutic pathway or target class rather than a single target.

Other names

T cell co-stimulationDC-T cell synapse co-signalingB7-CD28 familyTNF receptor superfamily co-stimulatorsImmunological synapse co-stimulation

Modulation of secondary signals during antigen presentation to either enhance (agonism) or inhibit (antagonism) T cell activation and effector function.