ICOs

ICOS is an acronym used for several distinct concepts in science and industry, including an immunology protein, a European research infrastructure, and a biotechnology company.

Inducible T-cell co-stimulator (ICOS) is a protein expressed on activated T cells. It provides a costimulatory signal that enhances T cell activation and cytokine production by binding to its ligand, ICOS ligand (ICOSL), on antigen-presenting cells. ICOS signaling supports differentiation of T follicular helper cells and germinal center reactions, promoting humoral immunity. It participates in various immune responses and has been investigated as a therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases, allergy, and cancer. ICOS expression can serve as a biomarker for immune activity and response to immunotherapies.

Integrated Carbon Observation System (ICOS) is a European research infrastructure established to coordinate observations of greenhouse gases such as CO2, CH4, and N2O across atmospheric, terrestrial, and marine domains. ICOS integrates networks from national meteorological and research institutes, standardizes data collection, and provides open-access data and modeling resources to support climate research, emissions inventories, and policy assessment. It operates under the ICOS ERIC framework and has received support from European Union programs since the 2000s.

ICOS Corporation was a biotechnology company focused on antibody therapeutics. It conducted research in oncology and inflammatory diseases before being acquired by Amgen, becoming part of Amgen’s portfolio of biologics.