Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Generation of Human CD40-activated B cells
Published on: October 17, 2009
Chromosomal localization of the gene for human B-cell antigen CD40
N Ramesh1, V Ramesh, J F Gusella
1Division of Immunology, Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
Insights
CD40, a key protein in B-cell function, has been mapped to chromosome 20. This finding aids in understanding B-cell development and related immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Human Genetics
Background:
- CD40 is a crucial surface glycoprotein on human B lymphocytes, regulating B-cell development, growth, and differentiation.
- Anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies, in conjunction with IL-4, induce isotype switching in B cells.
- CD40 belongs to a protein family including nerve growth factor receptor, TNF receptor, and Fas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the chromosomal location of the CD40 gene.
- To further characterize the CD40 gene and its role in human genetics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a panel of human-rodent somatic cell hybrids.
- Performed gene mapping studies to pinpoint the CD40 locus.
Main Results:
- The CD40 gene was successfully mapped to human chromosome 20.
- This mapping provides a precise location for the CD40 gene.
Conclusions:
- CD40 is located on human chromosome 20.
- This genetic localization is vital for future research into B-cell biology and immune system disorders.
Abstract:
CD40 is a surface glycoprotein expressed on all human B lymphocytes and plays an important role in B-cell development, growth, and differentiation. Anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies cause isotype switching in B cells treated with IL-4. CD40 is a member of a family of proteins that include low-affinity nerve growth factor receptor, TNF receptor, and the antigen Fas. The ligand for CD40 had been recently identified and has been assigned to the X chromosome. Using a panel of human-rodent somatic cell hybrids, we now show that CD40 maps to human chromosome 20.
Related Concept Videos
Chromatin Position Affects Gene Expression
Topologically Associated Domains (TADs)
The 3-dimensional positioning of chromatin in the nucleus influences the timing and level of...
Exon Recombination
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
Heterochromatin
Constitutive heterochromatin: It is a highly compact region of chromatin that is mostly concentrated in the centromere and telomere. Unlike euchromatin, the amino acid at 9th...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...

