ICOS (Inducible T-cell COStimulator) is a CD28-superfamily costimulatory molecule that is expressed on activated T cells. It is thought to be important for Th2 cells in particular.The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the CD28 and CTLA-4 cell-surface receptor family. It forms homodimers and plays an important role in cell-cell signaling, immune responses, and regulation of cell proliferation.Compared to wild-type naïve T cells, ICOS-/- T cells activated with plate-bound anti-CD3 have reduced proliferation and IL-2 secretion(1). The defect in proliferation can be rescued by addition of IL-2 to the culture, suggesting the proliferative defect is due to reduced IL-2 secretion. In terms of Th1 and Th2 cytokine secretion, ICOS-/- CD4+ T cell activated in vitro have reduced IL-4 secretion, but similar IFN-g secretion.