title: CD40 and dendritic cell function.
abstract: CD40 has emerged as a key signaling pathway for the function of B cells, monocytes, and dendritic cells (DC) in the immune system, and plays a major role in inflammatory pathways of nonhemopoietic cells. CD40 is expressed by monocytes and DC and is up-regulated when DC migrate from the periphery to draining lymph nodes (DLN) in response to microbial challenge. CD154 signaling by MHC-restricted, activated CD4+ T cells induces differentiation of DC, as defined by an increased surface expression of MHC, costimulatory, and adhesion molecules. Thus, CD40 functions in the adaptive immune response as a trigger for the expression of costimulatory molecules for efficient T-cell activation. CD40 ligation of DC also has the capacity to induce high levels of the cytokine IL-12, which polarizes CD4+ T cells toward a T helper 1 (Th1) type, enhances proliferation of CD8+ T cells, and activates NK cells. CD40 may also play an important role in the decision between tolerance and immunity and the generation of regulatory CD4+ T cells that are thought to maintain peripheral self-tolerance in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Immunology and Cancer Research, Princess Alexandra Hospital, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4102, Australia.
authors.forename: Brendan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: O'Sullivan
authors.forename: Ranjeny
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Thomas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017951:Antigen Presentation / Q000276:immunology; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D019013:CD40 Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D023201:CD40 Ligand / Q000276:immunology; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D019013:CD40 Antigens; D023201:CD40 Ligand