title: The complex role of B7 molecules in tumor immunology.
abstract: T-cell activation requires the interaction of the T-cell receptor with a cognate major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-peptide complex. Initiated by antigen engagement, the adaptive immune response is orchestrated by a complex balance between stimulatory and inhibitory signals that are predominantly controlled by members of the B7 family. Here, we review the current knowledge on B7 family members concerning their constitutive and regulated expression, modulation of the immune response and their role in the evasion of host immune surveillance. We also discuss recent therapeutic strategies that aim to improve immune-cell recognition of tumors and induce tolerance to autoreactive immune responses in normal tissues by manipulating B7 functions.
authors.affiliation: Martin Luther University, Institute of Medical Immunology, 06112 Halle, Germany. Barbara.Seliger@medizin.uni-halle.de
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Seliger
authors.forename: Francesco M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Marincola
authors.forename: Soldano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ferrone
authors.forename: Hinrich
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Abken
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology; D018122:B7-1 Antigen / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology*; D051940:B7-2 Antigen / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D060908:CTLA-4 Antigen; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D018448:Models, Immunological; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D015703:Antigens, CD; D018122:B7-1 Antigen; D051940:B7-2 Antigen; D060908:CTLA-4 Antigen; C556706:CTLA4 protein, human; D008024:Ligands; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic