Enhances all basic T-cell responses to a foreign antigen, namely proliferation, secretion of lymphokines, up-regulation of molecules that mediate cell-cell interaction, and effective help for antibody secretion by B-cells. Essential both for efficient interaction between T and B-cells and for normal antibody responses to T-cell dependent antigens. Does not up-regulate the production of interleukin-2, but superinduces the synthesis of interleukin-10. Prevents the apoptosis of pre-activated T-cells. Plays a critical role in CD40-mediated class switching of immunoglobin isotypes (By similarity). Homodimer; disulfide-linked. Activated T-cells. Highly expressed on tonsillar T-cells, which are closely associated with B-cells in the apical light zone of germinal centers, the site of terminal B-cell maturation. Expressed at lower levels in thymus, lung, lymph node and peripheral blood leukocytes. Expressed in the medulla of fetal and newborn thymus. By phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) and ionomycin. Up-regulated early on T-cells and continues to be expressed into the later phases of T-cell activation. N-glycosylated. The disease is caused by variants affecting the gene represented in this entry. ICOS mutation db