CD150 (signaling lymphocyte activation molecule [SLAM]) is a self-ligand cell surface glycoprotein expressed on T cells, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. To further explore the role of CD150 signaling in costimulation and T(H)1 priming we have generated a panel of rat antimouse CD150 monoclonal antibodies. CD150 cell surface expression is up-regulated with rapid kinetics in activated T cells and lipopolysaccharide/interferon gamma (IFN-gamma)-activated macrophages. Anti-CD150 triggering induces strong costimulation of T cells triggered through CD3. DNA synthesis of murine T cells induced by anti-CD150 is not dependent on SLAM-associated protein (SAP, SH2D1A), because anti-CD150 induces similar levels of DNA synthesis in SAP(-/-) T cells. Antibodies to CD150 also enhance IFN-gamma production both in wild-type and SAP(-/-) T cells during primary stimulation. The level of IFN-gamma production is higher in SAP(-/-) T cells than in wild-type T cells. Anti-CD150 antibodies also synergize with interleukin 12 (IL-12) treatment in up-regulation of IL-12 receptor beta(2) mRNA during T(H)1 priming, and inhibit primary T(H)2 polarization in an IFN-gamma-dependent fashion. Cross-linking CD150 on CD4 T cells induces rapid serine phosphorylation of Akt/PKB. We speculate that this is an important pathway contributing to CD150-mediated T-cell proliferation.