Induction of beta-chemokine secretion by human brain microvessel endothelial cells via CD40/CD40L interactions

beta-chemokines play an important role during the course of central nervous system (CNS) inflammation. Using primary cultures of human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells, we detected increased monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) production following incubation with soluble CD40L. These results suggest a potential mechanism by which activated CD40L positive T cells may enhance beta-chemokine expression and thus influence the recruitment of mononuclear cells across the human blood-brain barrier.