Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 8, 2026
Development and Functional Characterization of Murine Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells
Published on: May 18, 2018
Developmental changes in soluble CD40 ligand
Jill M Cholette1, Neil Blumberg, Richard P Phipps
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York 14642, USA.
Insights
Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) levels are highest in neonates and remain elevated throughout childhood compared to adults. Age-specific reference ranges are crucial for evaluating sCD40L in pediatric conditions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) plays a role in immune responses.
- Understanding age-related variations in sCD40L is important for clinical interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-dependent changes in sCD40L levels.
- To establish reference ranges for sCD40L in healthy pediatric and adult populations.
Main Methods:
- sCD40L was quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
- Participants included neonates, children (3 months-15 years), and adults.
- Statistical analyses included Mann-Whitney tests and correlation coefficients.
Main Results:
- Plasma sCD40L levels were significantly higher in neonates and pediatric groups compared to adults.
- No significant differences were observed between pediatric age subgroups.
- Serum sCD40L was highest in neonates but showed no significant difference between pediatric and adult groups.
Conclusions:
- Plasma sCD40L levels exhibit a developmental trajectory, being highest at birth and remaining elevated through childhood.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the reasons for these developmental changes.
- Establishing age-appropriate reference ranges for sCD40L is recommended for pediatric evaluations.
Objectives:
To determine if soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L; formally CD154) levels vary with age and to identify age-dependent ranges in healthy pediatric and adult populations.
Study Design:
sCD40L was measured in 25 neonates, 74 children (3 months-15 years of age) and 20 adults using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For age group comparisons, Mann-Whitney tests were performed. Correlation coefficients assessed relationships between plasma and serum sCD40L.
Results:
Plasma sCD40L levels were higher in neonates than in all other age groups, (P <.001). All grouped pediatric plasma levels were significantly higher than in adults (P < .0001). There were no significant differences in plasma sCD40L between pediatric age groups. Serum levels were significantly higher in neonates than in any other age group (P < .0001). Pediatric and adult serum sCD40L levels were not significantly different.
Conclusions:
Plasma sCD40L levels are highest at birth and remain higher than those in adults throughout childhood. Reasons for such developmental changes remain to be investigated. Age-appropriate reference ranges should be used when sCD40L is being evaluated in pediatric disorders.
