Molecular Cloning and Comparative Analysis of the Rhesus Macaque Costimulatory Molecules CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2)

To facilitate analysis of the role of costimulatory molecules in a nonhuman primate model, we cloned and sequenced the CD80 (B7-1) and CD86 (B7-2) costimulatory molecules from rhesus macaques. Rhesus CD80 and CD86 were highly homologous to their human counterparts, with overall amino acid homologies of greater than 90%, and were specifically recognized by murine antihuman CD80 or CD86 monoclonal antibodies. Stable cell lines expressing rhesus CD80 or CD86 induced proliferation of suboptimally activated CD4+T cells and transcription of cytokine mRNA. Both CD80 and CD86 were able to provide costimulation for interferon-gamma and IL-2 synthesis by rhesus CD4+T cells, but CD80 costimulation also resulted in synthesis of IL-4 and IL-10. The high degree of homology between the rhesus and the human CD80 and CD86 molecules should facilitate analysis of therapeutic interventions directed at this costimulatory pathway in nonhuman primates.