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Updated: Aug 15, 2026
Murine Model of CD40-activation of B cells
Published on: March 5, 2010
Absence of platelet CD40L identifies patients with X-linked hyper IgM syndrome
D P Inwald1, M J Peters, D Walshe
1Portex Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Therapy and Respiratory Medicine and Immunobiology Unit, Institute of Child Health, London, UK. D.Inwald@ich.ucl.ac.uk
Insights
We developed a rapid flow cytometry technique to detect CD40 ligand (CD40L) on activated platelets. This method aids in diagnosing immunodeficiencies like X-linked hyper IgM syndrome and monitoring transplant success.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- CD40 ligand (CD40L) is crucial for B cell function, expressed on activated T cells.
- Mutations in the CD40L gene cause X-linked hyper IgM syndrome (XLHIGM).
- Platelets can express CD40L rapidly upon stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid flow cytometry technique for detecting CD40L on activated platelets in whole blood.
- To assess the utility of this technique for clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Flow cytometry analysis of whole blood.
- Stimulation of platelets to induce CD40L expression.
- Quantification of CD40L on activated platelets.
Main Results:
- A rapid and effective flow cytometry technique for CD40L detection on activated platelets was established.
- The technique demonstrated utility in neonatal screening.
- The method proved useful for rapid diagnosis of immunodeficiencies and monitoring bone marrow transplant reconstitution.
Conclusions:
- The developed flow cytometry method provides a rapid way to assess CD40L expression on activated platelets.
- This technique has significant clinical potential in diagnosing and managing immune-related disorders and post-transplant monitoring.
Abstract:
CD40 ligand (CD40L), a membrane protein expressed on activated T cells, plays a pivotal role in B cell proliferation and differentiation. Mutations in the CD40L gene are associated with a rare immunodeficiency state, X-linked hyper IgM syndrome (XLHIGM). Recently, platelets have been described as capable of expressing CD40L within minutes of stimulation. We have developed a rapid technique to determine expression of CD40L on activated platelets by flow cytometry in whole blood. We have demonstrated that this technique is useful in neonatal screening, in rapid diagnosis and in determining reconstitution by donor bone marrow post-transplantation.
