This gene encodes a type I membrane glycoprotein containing two extracellular immunoglobulin domains, a transmembrane and a cytoplasmic domain. This gene is expressed by various cell types, including B cells, a subset of T cells, thymocytes, endothelial cells, and neurons. The encoded protein plays an important role in immunosuppression and regulation of anti-tumor activity. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms.