B7-2/CD86

B7-2 (CD86) is the second B7-family co-stimulatory ligand, a type I transmembrane protein constitutively present at low levels on resting B cells, monocytes and dendritic cells and rapidly upregulated (within hours) upon activation, preceding the slower CD80 induction. CD86 binds CD28 to deliver primary co-stimulatory signals for naive T-cell priming, and CTLA-4 with intermediate avidity; the kinetic distinction CD86 (fast, transient, lower CTLA-4 affinity) versus CD80 (slow, sustained, higher CTLA-4 affinity) tunes the balance between initial T-cell activation and later inhibitory feedback. CD86 also engages PD-L1 in cis and binds the inhibitory receptor BTLA indirectly via HVEM complexes in some contexts. In autoimmunity, persistent CD86 expression on B cells and APCs propagates chronic T-cell activation in lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes; abatacept (CTLA4-Ig) preferentially intercepts CD86 to blunt co-stimulation. CD86 also marks follicular lymphoma cells and supports germinal-center T-cell help.