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CD40 and CD154 in cell-mediated immunity

I S Grewal1, R A Flavell

  • 1Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Section of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA.

Annual Review of Immunology
|May 23, 1998
PubMed

Insights

The CD40-CD154 pathway is crucial for immune responses, regulating T cell priming, effector functions, and inflammation. This review explores its newly discovered roles beyond B and T cell interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cellular Biology

Background:

  • The CD40-CD154 molecular interaction is essential for thymus-dependent humoral immune responses.
  • CD40 is expressed on various non-B cells, including dendritic cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells.
  • CD40-CD154 signaling plays a role in diverse biological processes beyond adaptive immunity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of the CD40-CD154 system in immunity and inflammation.
  • To highlight newly discovered functions of CD40-CD154 interactions.
  • To provide insights into the regulation of cell-mediated immunity by this pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recently published studies.
  • Analysis of data from CD40- and CD154-knockout mice.
  • Investigation using antibodies targeting CD40 and CD154.

Main Results:

  • CD40-CD154 interactions influence T cell priming and effector functions.
  • This pathway upregulates costimulatory molecules and activates immune cells like macrophages and NK cells.
  • CD40-CD154 signaling is implicated in autoimmune diseases, graft rejection, and atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

  • The CD40-CD154 system is a critical regulator of numerous newly discovered functions in inflammation and cell-mediated immunity.
  • Understanding these interactions is vital for comprehending immune responses and associated pathologies.
  • Further research into the CD40-CD154 pathway holds potential for therapeutic interventions.

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