Description: CD40 belongs to the TNF receptor superfamily and is a biochemical marker for the identification of activated platelets of patients with cardiovascular diseases (angina pectoris, infarction, stroke etc.)
A key role of CD40/CD40ligand interactions in immune activation, particularly in T-cell dependent B cell responses is anticipated. CD40 Ligand is expressed on the surface of activated CD4+ T cells, basophils, and mast cells. Binding of CD40L to its receptor, CD40, on the surface of B cells stimulates B-cell proliferation, adhesion and differentiation. A soluble isoform of CD40L has been shown to exist in the circulation. This soluble molecule is a homotrimer of a 18kDa protein exhibiting full activity in B cell proliferation and differentiation assays, is able to rescue B cells from apoptosis and binds soluble CD40.
CD40L is discussed in relation to a potential role in supporting B cell tumors and it has been discovered that the molecular defect in the X-linked Hyper-IgM-Syndrome is targeted to the CD40 L gene, it is functional involved in B cell hybridomas and chronic lymphocytic leukemia as well as several autoimmune diseases.
BMS153 was found to block binding of CD40Ligand to its receptor CD40.
