CD40 Ligand, also known as TNFSF5, CD154, is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein member of the TNF superfamily. Mature mouse CD40 Ligand consists of a 22 amino acid (aa) cytoplasmic domain, a transmembrane segment, and a 214 aa extracellular region. CD40 Ligand is expressed as a homotrimer on platelets and activated T cells and B cells. It is up-regulated following stimulation of basophils, eosinophils, fibroblasts, mast cells, monocytes, natural killer cells, vascular endothelial cells, and smooth muscle cells. CD40 Ligand binds and activates CD40, which is expressed on the surface of B cells, dendritic cells,macrophages, monocytes, platelets, endothelial cells, and epithelial cells. Monomeric, dimeric, and trimeric forms of soluble CD40 Ligand bind to oligomeric CD40 on cell membranes. CD40 ligation by CD40 Ligand promotes B cell activation and T cell-dependent humoral responses. CD40 Ligand dysregulation on T cells and antigen presenting cells contributes to the immune deficiency associated with HIV infection and AIDS. It is also implicated in the pathology of multiple cardiovascular diseases including atherosclerosis, atherothrombosis, and restenosis.
