Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026
10:16
Visualizing Leukocyte Rolling and Adhesion in Angiotensin II-Infused Mice: Techniques and Pitfalls
Published on: January 4, 2018
The CD40/CD40 ligand system: linking inflammation with atherothrombosis
Charalambos Antoniades1, Constantinos Bakogiannis, Dimitris Tousoulis
11st Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece. antoniades@vodafone.net.gr
Journal of the American College of Cardiology
|August 15, 2009
Summary
The CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) system, including soluble CD40L (sCD40L), plays a key role in atherothrombosis. Research is ongoing to understand its mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Biology
- Immunology
- Molecular Medicine
Background:
- The CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) pathway is implicated in atherothrombosis.
- Soluble CD40L (sCD40L) is a key mediator with prothrombotic and proinflammatory roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms linking the CD40/CD40L system and sCD40L to atherothrombosis.
- To discuss the prognostic significance of sCD40L in cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating CD40/CD40L in atherothrombosis.
- Analysis of the expression and function of CD40L and sCD40L in various tissues.
Main Results:
- CD40/CD40L and sCD40L are expressed in immune cells, vascular walls, and platelets.
- sCD40L exhibits autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine actions contributing to atherothrombosis.
- sCD40L has prognostic value in atherosclerosis and the general population.
Conclusions:
- The CD40/CD40L system is integral to coronary atherosclerosis and acute coronary syndromes.
- Conventional therapies may reduce sCD40L and cardiovascular risk.
- Targeting the CD40/CD40L system for atherothrombosis treatment requires further investigation.
Related Concept Videos
01:38Inflammation
Overview
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...