Inducible T Cell Costimulator Receptor (ICOS)

ICOS (Inducible T Cell Costimulator Receptor), also known as CD278, is a member of the CD28/CTLA-4 family of immune checkpoint proteins. It is expressed on activated T cells and interacts with its ligand ICOS-L (B7RP-1) on antigen-presenting cells. ICOS plays a crucial role in T cell co-stimulation, Tfh cell development, germinal center formation, and humoral immunity. It regulates various T cell subsets and is involved in both immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive functions. Dysregulation of ICOS is implicated in immunodeficiency, autoimmunity, and cancer, making it a target for therapeutic intervention.

Other names

CD278AILIMCVID1inducible T-cell co-stimulatorinducible T cell costimulator

Agonist anti-ICOS monoclonal antibodies boost anti-tumor immunity by enhancing effector CD4+ and cytotoxic CD8+ responses. Antagonists can block ICOS-L interaction to reduce T cell activation.