CD40 and its ligand: central players in B lymphocyte survival, growth, and differentiation.
This article brings together information garnered over the last 10 years on the B cell-associated CD40 surface glycoprotein. The discovery in 1992 of a natural counterstructure, the CD40 ligand (CD40L), which can be rapidly induced on T-cells has hastened research and increased interest in this area dramatically. It has become clear that CD40 and its ligand are central players in B cell responses to T-dependent antigens. The capacity of CD40 to deliver signals for B cell growth, differentiation and survival is covered together with discussion of the signal transduction pathways which operate to bring about these changes. Future issues surrounding this important receptor-ligand pair are discussed.
Gordon
J
J
Department of Immunology, Medical School, Birmingham, UK.
D000818:Animals; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism*; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte / Q000378:metabolism*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D019013:CD40 Antigens; D023201:CD40 Ligand; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002455:Cell Division; D002470:Cell Survival; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
D015703:Antigens, CD; D000944:Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte; D019013:CD40 Antigens; D008024:Ligands; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D023201:CD40 Ligand