CTLA-4Ig: Uses and Future Directions

Cytotoxic lymphocyte-associated molecule-4 (CTLA-4, CD152) is a member of the CD28 receptor family. Blocking CD28 interaction with its ligands through the use of CTLA-4Ig might contribute to better control of dysregulated immune response processes. The ligands binding to CTLA-4 are the B7 family members, B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86). CTLA-4Ig is now a Food and Drug Administration-approved drug for use treating patients with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but its use is explored also in other autoimmune diseases, transplantation as well as allergic diseases. Patents related to CTLA-4 function as well as possible clinical applications are discussed in this paper.