B7-H2/CD275

B7-H2, the ICOS ligand (ICOSLG), also carries the CD275 designation and was the fifth B7 family member to be described. It is a type I transmembrane protein with two Ig-like extracellular domains, expressed constitutively on B cells, monocytes and dendritic cells and inducible on endothelium. By binding its receptor ICOS (CD278) on activated T cells, it delivers costimulatory signals that support T helper cell differentiation, T follicular helper cell generation, IL-10 secretion and germinal center reactions. The ICOS-ICOSLG axis is essential for humoral immunity, and its blockade or agonism is under investigation in transplant rejection, autoimmunity and cancer immunotherapy.