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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Murine Model of CD40-activation of B cells
Published on: March 6, 2010
Properties of mouse CD40: differential expression of CD40 epitopes on dendritic cells and epithelial cells
T K Van Den Berg1, J Hasbold, C Renardel De Lavalette
1Department of Cell Biology and Immunology, Vrije University, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Insights
This study reveals differential expression of mouse CD40 epitopes on various immune cells. Different forms of CD40 may exist, influencing cell-type-specific functions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- CD40 is a crucial molecule in immune regulation.
- Understanding its tissue distribution is vital for immunological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the tissue distribution of mouse CD40.
- To explore the differential expression of CD40 epitopes on various cell types.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two distinct monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting different CD40 epitopes.
- Analyzed tissue distribution in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues of mice.
Main Results:
- CD40 expression confirmed on B lymphocytes, including germinal center B cells.
- Differential epitope recognition observed on dendritic cells and epithelial cells.
- Specific mAbs identified distinct populations of interdigitating dendritic cells and epithelial cells, while Langerhans cells were negative.
Conclusions:
- Mouse CD40 epitopes exhibit cell-type-specific distribution patterns.
- Findings suggest the existence of distinct CD40 forms with varied cellular expression.
- This differential expression may impact CD40-mediated cellular functions.
Abstract:
In this study we describe the tissue distribution of mouse CD40 using two monoclonal antibodies (mAb) against different epitopes of the molecule. In lymphoid tissues CD40 was expressed by B lymphocytes. Most B cells in typical B-cell compartments were CD40-positive, including germinal centre B cells. Interestingly, the two CD40 epitopes were differentially distributed on subpopulations of dendritic cells and epithelial cells. The 3/23 mAb, but not 3/3, recognized interdigitating dendritic cells (IDC) in lymph nodes, spleen and thymus. Langerhans cells were CD40 negative. In contrast, epithelial cells in the thymus and some other tissues (e.g. skin) were stained with the 3/3 mAb, but not with the 3/23 mAb. The expression of CD40 on dendritic cells and epithelial cells is in agreement with earlier findings in humans. Our data also demonstrate that different epitopes of CD40 are differentially expressed on dendritic cells and epithelial cells. This suggests the existence of different forms of CD40, that are expressed in a cell-type-specific fashion.
