CTLA4-Ig

CTLA4-Ig

A fusion protein specific for the B7 surface receptor on T cells that has been shown to be capable of persuading T cells to recognize severely mismatched allogeneic transplanted organs as ‘self’ even in the absence of immunosuppressive drugs. T cell activation requires two signals—a T cell-receptor-mediated signal and a co-stimulatory signal. Co-stimulation involves the B7 receptor. This fusion protein blocks co-stimulation and prevents T cells from mounting a rejection attack.