CD28 has been shown to be critical in the initial activation of T cells. However, it s role in the subsequent development of an inflammatory response is only now being explored. Similarly, we have recently identified CD43 as a potential critical mediator of T cell activation. CD43 is a large, mucin-like protein which is highly expressed on T cells. It has been speculated that it may function by preventing intercellular contact by way of it s large negative charge and overall structure.
T cells remains controversial.
We are currently exploring the biochemical basis for CD28 function using retroviral gene transfer into primary T cells. Further studies with CD28-deficient mice provide for the ability to determine the precise determinants of CD28 function both in vitro and in vivo. T cell activation, costimulation, immune response accessory cells, CD28, CD43 Green JM, Karpitskiy VS, Kimzey SL, et al. Coordinate regulation of T cell activation by CD2 and CD28. Holdorf AD, Green JM, Levine SD, et al.