BTLA, a new inhibitory B7 family receptor with a TNFR family ligand.

B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA), identified as an immune inhibitory receptor recently, plays widespread roles on T and B cells. Emerging evidence has generated plentiful information on the mechanisms which BTLA mediates negative regulation in immune responses and involves in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. The exploration of the biological mechanisms and regulation of BTLA will open possibilities on novel therapeutic strategies in immune-related diseases.