Binding stoichiometry of the cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated molecule-4 (CTLA-4). A disulfide-linked homodimer binds two CD86 molecules.

CD28 and CTLA-4 are homologous T cell receptors of the immunoglobulin (Ig) superfamily, which bind B7 molecules (CD80 and CD86) on antigen-presenting cells and transmit important costimulatory signals during T cell activation. Here we have investigated the subunit structure of CTLA-4 and the stoichiometry of its binding to B7 molecules. We demonstrate CTLA-4 is a homodimer interconnected by one disulfide bond in the extracellular domain at cysteine residue 120. Each monomeric polypeptide chain of CTLA-4 contains a high affinity binding site for B7 molecules; soluble CTLA-4 and CD86 form complexes containing equimolar amounts of monomeric CTLA-4 and CD86 (i.e. a 2:2 molecular complex). Thus, CTLA-4 and probably CD28 have a receptor structure consisting of preexisting covalent homodimers with two binding sites. Dimerization of CTLA-4 and CD28 is not required for B7 binding, nor is it sufficient to trigger signaling.