Recognizes a protein of about 31kDa, which is identified as PD-L2 (same as PDCD1LG2). Engagement of CD28 by B7-1 (CD80) or B7-2 (CD86) in the presence of antigen promotes T cell proliferation, cytokine production, differentiation of effector T cells and the induction of Bcl-x, a promoter of T cell survival. Conversely, engagement of CTLA4 by B7-1 or B7-2 may inhibit proliferation and IL-2 production. PD-L2 does not bind CD28, cytotoxic T lymphocyte A4 or ICOS (inducible co-stimulator). The constitutive expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2 on parenchymal cells of heart, lung and kidney sµggests that the Pdcd-1-Pdcd-L system could provide unique negative signaling to help prevent autoimmune disease.
