Inducible T-cell costimulator is an immune checkpoint protein that in humans is encoded by the ICOS gene.
CD278 or ICOS (Inducible T-cell COStimulator) is a CD28-superfamily costimulatory molecule that is expressed on activated T cells. It is thought to be important for Th2 cells in particular.
The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the CD28 and CTLA-4 cell-surface receptor family. It forms homodimers and plays an important role in cell-cell signaling, immune responses, and regulation of cell proliferation.
Compared to wild-type naïve T cells, ICOS-/- T cells activated with plate-bound anti-CD3 have reduced proliferation and IL-2 secretion. The defect in proliferation can be rescued by addition of IL-2 to the culture, suggesting the proliferative defect is due either to ICOS-mediated IL-2 secretion or the activation of similar signaling pathways between ICOS and IL-2. In terms of Th1 and Th2 cytokine secretion, ICOS-/- CD4+ T cell activated in vitro have reduced IL-4 secretion, but similar IFN-g secretion. Similarly, CD4+ T cells purified from ICOS-/- mice immunized with the protein keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) in alum or Complete Freund's Adjuvant have attenuated IL-4 secretion, but similar IFN-g and IL-5 secretion when recalled with KLH.
[Verse:]
He gave his baby boy a bath
Tub full of bubbles and toys for him to splash
Look at daddy, soapsuds mustache
Funny faces and voices, it makes the baby belly laugh
Dry him off, now you squeaky clean
And watch the water spiral down that drain
Wrap him in a towel so he doesn't get the shivers
Brush his hair, it seems to help it dry it quicker
Laid him on mommy and daddy's bed now that he's dry
And put a diaper on him, gave him his pacifier
Superman pajamas, so tough
Innocent face full of unconditional love
Daddy picked him and rocked him slow
Never takes long for little guy's eyes to close
Dad's technique is different than your mother's
Never learned any lullabies, he sings Stevie Wonder's
There it is, steady breathing, sleep rhythm
Daddy sits and holds him just to listen for a minute
Daddy's hands are the meaning of security
And baby's hands are the evidence of purity
Thinking back to the day baby came
And how it changed the whole game, things ain't the same
Daddy had to stop running it crazy
Keep his ass in the home with the son and his lady
He was there for the birth and the first breath
Not gonna miss the first words or the first steps
Gonna keep the boy healthy and safe
And do his best to try to keep those tears off his face
Gave him a kiss, laid him in his crib
Turned out the lights, goodnight my little prince
That's how good daddy takes care of him