Abstract
CD40, a cell surface receptor which belongs to the TNF-R family, was first identified and functionally characterized on B lymphocytes. In recent years, CD40 has been found expressed on other cells, including monocytes, dendritic cells, endothelial cells and epithelial cells and is now thought to play a more general role in immune regulation. The present paper reviews recent developments about CD40, with main emphasis on: (1) structure and expression of CD40 and its ligand; (2) CD40 signal transduction; (3) in vitro function of CD40 on different cell types, and (4) in vivo functions of CD40/CD40L interactions.
MeSH terms
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Antibody Formation
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Autoimmunity
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
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CD40 Antigens / immunology
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CD40 Antigens / metabolism
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CD40 Antigens / physiology*
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CD40 Ligand
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Communicable Diseases / immunology
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Dendritic Cells / immunology
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Dendritic Cells / metabolism
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Endothelium / cytology
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Endothelium / immunology
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Epithelial Cells
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Epithelium / immunology
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Fibroblasts / immunology
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Fibroblasts / metabolism
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Humans
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Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology
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Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology*
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Monocytes / immunology
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Monocytes / metabolism
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Signal Transduction / immunology
Substances
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CD40 Antigens
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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CD40 Ligand