Figures & data
Figure 1 Mechanism of action of abatacept.
Notes: Complete T-cell activation requires 2 distinct receptor interactions with APCs to be accomplished. The first is the encounter between the MHC and the TCR found on the membrane of all T-cells. The second – the so-called costimulatory signal – is mainly, but not only, mediated by the interaction between the CD80/CD86 molecules on the membrane of APCs with the CD28 receptor expressed by T-cells. To counteract an excessive activation of T-cells, CTLA-4 is indeed transiently expressed following T-cell activation, competing with CD28 for binding to CD80/86 and delivering a signal that downregulates cellular functions thus inducing anergy of activated T-cells (A). Abatacept (CTLA-4-Ig) binds to CD80/86, exploiting the self-regulatory role of CTLA-4 in inducing T-cell anergy (B).
Abbreviations: APC, antigen-presenting cell; MHC, major histocompatibility complex; TCR, T-cell receptor.
Abbreviations: APC, antigen-presenting cell; MHC, major histocompatibility complex; TCR, T-cell receptor.
