Immunological function of tubular epithelial cells: the functional implications of CD40 expression.
Tubulo-interstitial inflammation in the kidney is characterized by the presence of activated T cells. Both by the local production of cytokines, as well as by direct cell-cell interactions, these activated T cells might affect the immune and inflammatory response. Recently it has been demonstrated that these kidney-infiltrating T cells express CD40 ligand and that tubular epithelial cells (TECs) express CD40. In the present review we will discuss the potential implications of CD40-CD40L interactions for the activation of TECs and its immunological function.
van Kooten
C
C
Department of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.Kooten@mail.Medfac.LeidenUniv.nl
Woltman
A M
AM
Daha
M R
MR
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells; D019013:CD40 Antigens / Q000502:physiology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007684:Kidney Tubules / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology*; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000032:analysis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D019013:CD40 Antigens; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor