title: The CD40/CD40L system: a new therapeutic target for disease.
abstract: The role of CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) interactions in atherothrombosis, in the response of the immune system to pathogens and in thrombosis is now widely accepted. A role for CD40-CD40L interactions has been identified in atherosclerosis (AS), and such interactions are known to destabilize atherosclerotic plaques by inducing the expression of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases and pro-coagulant factors. CD40/CD40L interactions have also been implicated in immune system disorders. Recent studies have suggested that CD40/CD40L interactions regulate oxidative stress and affect various signaling pathways in both the immunological and the cardiovascular systems. Here, we discuss the current drugs that target the CD40/CD40L system, as understanding the roles and regulations of CD40/CD40L-mediated signal pathways by these drugs could facilitate the development of therapeutics that target diverse diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
authors.forename: Bikui
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Tian
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: Min
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Yulu
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Dongyang
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yi
authors.forename: Ren
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Guo
mesh_terms: D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D019013:CD40 Antigens / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D023201:CD40 Ligand / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D019013:CD40 Antigens; D016207:Cytokines; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; D023201:CD40 Ligand
keywords: CD40/CD40L; Clopidogrel; Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs); SGN-40; Statins