The CD40-ligand stimulates T-lymphocytes via the neutral sphingomyelinase: a novel function of the CD40-ligand as signalling molecule.
Recent results suggest an activation of T-lymphocytes via the CD40L implying a dual function of this ligand involved in the activation of both B- and T-lymphocytes [1-4]. Here, we provide evidence that activation of T-lymphocytes via CD40L results in activation of a neutral but not an acidic sphingomyelinase correlating with a consumption of sphingomyelin and a release of ceramide. Activation of the neutral sphingomyelinase by the CD40L seems to involve a novel signalling cascade since it is independent of CD40L induced protein kinase activation or association of the neutral sphingomyelinase with the CD40L.
Koppenhoefer
U
U
Department of Physiology, University of Tuebingen, Germany.
Brenner
B
B
Lang
F
F
Gulbins
E
E
D000818:Animals; D019013:CD40 Antigens / Q000502:physiology*; D023201:CD40 Ligand; D002460:Cell Line; D002518:Ceramides / Q000378:metabolism; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D007700:Kinetics; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D011494:Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013108:Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase / Q000378:metabolism*; D013109:Sphingomyelins / Q000378:metabolism; D013379:Substrate Specificity; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000201:enzymology / Q000276:immunology*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D019013:CD40 Antigens; D002518:Ceramides; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D013109:Sphingomyelins; D023201:CD40 Ligand; D011494:Protein Kinases; D013108:Sphingomyelin Phosphodiesterase