Definition

An agonistic monoclonal antibody that recognizes inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS; CD278), with potential immunomodulating and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, anti-ICOS agonist monoclonal antibody BMS-986226 targets and binds to ICOS expressed on certain T cells. This stimulates ICOS-mediated signaling, induces proliferation of ICOS-positive T cells, enhances cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) survival and augments the CTL-mediated immune response against tumor cells. ICOS, a T-cell-specific, CD28-superfamily co-stimulatory molecule and immune checkpoint protein, is normally expressed on certain activated T cells and plays a key role in the proliferation and activation of T cells.