CD28 is a constitutively expressed co-stimulatory receptor on the surface of T cells. It binds to its ligands B7-1 (CD80) and B7-2 (CD86) on antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The signal from CD28, when delivered concurrently with T-cell receptor (TCR) engagement (Signal 1), provides a potent second signal (Signal 2) that is essential for full T-cell activation, proliferation, survival, and cytokine production (e.g., IL-2).