Functional roles for T cell CD40 in infection and autoimmune disease: the role of CD40 in lymphocyte homeostasis.
CD40 stimulation on monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, and B-lymphocytes has been the subject of much study. It is well recognized that activation of CD40 on antigen presenting cells by its ligand, CD154, expressed on T-lymphocytes, contributes to the pro-inflammatory response necessary for eradication of infection, yet pathological in autoimmunity. However, there is evidence that CD40 is also expressed on T-lymphocytes and can act as a costimulatory molecule. While the exact role of CD40 on CD8 T cells remains controversial, it does appear to contribute to the adaptive immune response against infection. CD40 on CD4 T cells, on the other hand, plays a functional role in the autoimmune disease process. Further dissection of the exact nature and role of CD40 in T cell activation could lead the way to more effective vaccines and novel therapeutics for autoimmune diseases.
Munroe
Melissa E
ME
Department of Microbiology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. melissa-munroe@uiowa.edu
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D019013:CD40 Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D019013:CD40 Antigens