CD80/B7-1 is a molecule found on activated B cells and monocytes which provides a costimulatory signal necessary for T cell activation and survival. After engagement of T-cell receptor with antigen in association with major histocompatibility complex class II, a second signal mediated through the binding of B7 to CD28 greatly upregulates the production of multiple lymphokines. B7-1 is a costimulatory molecule for the activation of both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes that prevents the induction of clonal anergy. Thus, the transfer of B7-1 genes into tumor cells can induce protective immunity and lead to tumor rejection of some tumors in model systems of in vivo tumor growth.