CD28 inhibitors encompass a diverse group of chemical agents that indirectly affect the signaling pathways associated with CD28's costimulatory function. These inhibitors operate by interacting with various kinases, enzymes, and other molecular targets that are part of the broader T cell activation process, which is dependent on CD28 signaling. The mechanism of action of these inhibitors is not through direct inhibition of CD28 itself but through modulation of the signaling cascades that CD28 influences. For instance, agents like Sirolimus and Cyclosporin A target mTOR and calcineurin, respectively, both of which are pivotal in T cell activation and function downstream of CD28. By inhibiting these molecules, these agents can attenuate the stimulatory effects of CD28 on T cell activation.
The indirect inhibition of CD28 signaling is critical for understanding the regulation of T cell responses. Compounds such as Sotrastaurin and BAY 11-7082 inhibit key kinases like PKCθ and the NF-κB signaling pathway, demonstrating the complex network of intracellular signals that contribute to CD28-mediated T cell activation. Other inhibitors like caffeine and curcumin demonstrate that even molecules not traditionally associated with immune regulation can influence T cell function and CD28 signaling through their effects on enzymes and transcription factors like PKA and NF-κB. Quercetin, apigenin, and similar agents underscore the role of kinase regulation in CD28-related pathways. Finally, agents like Stattic, LY294002, PP2, and Go6983 highlight the significance of tyrosine kinase pathways, PI3K, and PKC in the broader context of CD28 costimulatory signaling. The collective action of these inhibitors showcases the intricate nature of inhibiitng immune responses by targeting the diverse array of signaling mechanisms related to CD28.