Clone 24F recognizes the rat antigen CD86, also known as B7-2, which is a member of the B7 family of costimulatory molecules. In addition to CD80 (B7-1) , CD86 is a counter-receptor for the T cell surface molecules CD28 and CD152 (CTLA-4). It is expressed by germinal center B cells and weakly expressed on antigen presenting cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells. Its expression is upregulated on B cells through a variety of surface stimuli including LPS. CD86 plays a critical role in the early events of T cell activation and costimulation of naive T cells as well as autoantibody and Tʜ2-mediated Ig production.
