T cell activation plays an essential role in the generation of pulmonary inflammation manifest in allergic asthma. Optimal T cell activation requires not only presentation of antigen with the major histocompatibility complex, but also concurrent signaling through costimulatory molecules. The costimulatory molecule SLAM (Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule, CD150) is a glycoprotein expressed on activated lymphocytes and antigen presenting cells. Disruption of the SLAM gene demonstrated that SLAM-induced signal transduction pathways regulate cytokine production by T helper 2 (Th2) cells and macrophages. Here we tested the postulate that the costimulatory molecule SLAM may be critical for allergic inflammation in a murine model. SLAM-deficient mice did not manifest allergen induced bronchoalveolar lavage eosinophilia, increased serum IgE, or heightened airway responses compared with wild-type mice. Notably, both allergen-induced Th2 cytokines and Th1 cytokines were decreased in SLAM-deficient mice. These data support the concept that SLAM plays a crucial role in allergic responses.