B7-2

Cluster of Differentiation 86 (CD86) is also known as B-lymphocyte activation antigen B7-2, is a type I membrane protein that is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, and is constitutively expressed on interdigitating dendritic cells, Langerhans cells, peripheral blood dendritic cells, memory B cells, and germinal center B cells. Additionally, B72 is expressed at low levels on monocytes and can be upregulated through interferon ¦Ã. CD86 is the ligand for two different proteins on the T cell surface: CD28 (for autoregulation and intercellular association) and CTLA-4 (for attenuation of regulation and cellular disassociation). CD86 works in tandem with CD80 to prime T cells. Recent study has revealed that B7-2 promotes the generation of a mature APC repertoire and promotes APC function and survival. Furthermore, the B7 proteins are also involved in innate immune responses by activating NF-¦ÊB-signaling pathway in macrophages. CD86 thus is regarded as a promising candidate for immune therapy. CD86+ macrophages in Hodgkin lymphoma patients are an independent marker for potential nonresponse to firstline-therapy.