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The role of CD40/CD154 interactions in the priming, differentiation, and effector function of helper and cytotoxic T
M F Mackey1, R J Barth, R J Noelle
1Department of Microbiology, Dartmouth Medical School and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03756, USA.
Abstract:
This review focuses on the emerging body of literature suggesting a critical role for CD40/CD154 interactions in antigen-presenting cell (APC) activation, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell priming, and effector T cell maturation. In this context effective antigen presentation involves not only T cell expansion and long-term survival but also the ability of the APC to guide the T cell response toward the Th1 (interferon-gamma producing) or the Th2 (interleukin-4 producing) phenotype. We suggest a model to explain why CD40/CD154 interactions are critical for some helper and cytotoxic T cell responses, whereas others occur independently of this receptor/ligand pair. In addition, we will discuss the potential role for CD40/CD154 interactions in effector T cell maturation and cytokine production.