The immunobiology of CD154-CD40-TRAF interactions in atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease of the large arteries that is responsible for the majority of cardiovascular events. In its pathogenesis, the immune system plays a pivotal role. The effectuation of the immune response through interactions between immune cells that is mediated by co-stimulatory molecules, determine atherosclerosis severity. This review will highlight the role of one of the most powerful co-stimulatory dyads, the CD154 (also known as CD40 ligand, CD40L)-CD40 dyad, in atherosclerosis. Its cell-type specific actions, signal transduction cascades and its therapeutic potentials will be discussed.
Engel
David
D
Department of Pathology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), University of Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Seijkens
Tom
T
Poggi
Marjorie
M
Sanati
Maryam
M
Thevissen
Larissa
L
Beckers
Linda
L
Wijnands
Erwin
E
Lievens
Dirk
D
Lutgens
Esther
E
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000276:immunology*; D019013:CD40 Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D023201:CD40 Ligand / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*; D047988:Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Peptides and Proteins / Q000276:immunology*
D019013:CD40 Antigens; D047988:Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor-Associated Peptides and Proteins; D023201:CD40 Ligand