Identification of TAPBPL as a novel negative regulator of T‐cell function

T cell stimulatory and inhibitory molecules are critical for the regulation of immune responses. In this study, we identify a novel T cell co‐inhibitory molecule TAPBPL, whose amino acid sequence shares homology with known B7 family members. TAPBPL protein is expressed on resting and activated T cells, B cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells (DCs), as well as on some tumor tissues. The putative TAPBPL receptor is expressed on activated CD4 and CD8 T cells. A soluble recombinant human TAPBPL‐IgG Fc (hTAPBPL‐Ig) fusion protein inhibits the proliferation, activation, and cytokine production of both mouse and human T cells in vitro. In vivo administration of hTAPBPL‐Ig protein attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice. Furthermore, an anti‐TAPBPL monoclonal antibody neutralizes the inhibitory activity of hTAPBPL‐Ig on T cells, enhances antitumor immunity, and inhibits tumor growth in animal models. Our results suggest that therapeutic intervention of the TAPBPL inhibitory pathway may represent a new strategy to modulate T cell‐mediated immunity for the treatment of cancer, infections, autoimmune diseases, and transplant rejection.