B7 (protein)

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B7 is a type of peripheral membrane protein found on activated antigen presenting cells (APC) that, when paired with either a CD28 or CD152 (CTLA-4) surface protein on a T cell, can produce a costimulatory signal to enhance the activity of a MHC-TCR signal between the APC and the T cell. (Coico et al. 2003)

There are two major types of B7 proteins, B7.1 and B7.2 or CD80 and CD86 respectively, however it is not known if they differ significantly.

[edit] Reference

• Coico, R., Sunshine, G., and Benjamin, E. (2003). “Immunology: A Short Course 5th ed.” Pg. 131.