protein_function: Cytokine that binds to TNFRSF5. Mediates B-cellproliferation in the absence of co-stimulus as well as IgEproduction in the presence of IL-4. Involved in immunoglobulinclass switching (By similarity)..
CD40 ligand(CD40L) is a type II membrane protein of 261 amino acids on activated T cells that induces B cell proliferation and immunoglobulin secretion. It has homology with tumour necrosis factor-alpha and -beta, and has important functions in B-cell activation and differentiation. Human CD40L with 5 exons, is mapped to the proximal region of the mouse X chromosome on Xq26.3-27.1, and can be detected on T cells but is absent from B cells and monocytes. Since CD40L is expressed on platelets and released from them on activation, its predictive value as a marker for clinical outcome and the therapeutic effect of inhibition of glycoprotein IIb,IIIa receptor in patients with acute coronary syndromes was investigated. The soluble CD40L may be involved in the process of restenosis and that it exerts its effect by triggering a complex group of inflammatory reactions on endothelial and mononuclear cells.CD40L plays a central role in the pathophysiology of acute coronary syndromes, and has a role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery lesions.
