CD40 Ligand

CD40 Ligand (CD40-L) is a transmembrane protein expressed on T cells, B cells, mast cells, basophils, eosinophils, natural killer cells, macrophages, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and activated platelets. It is also found in plasma as a soluble protein, sCD40-L. As a consequence of CD40-L binding to its receptor (CD40), several inflammatory processes are initiated. Studies have demonstrated elevated CD40-L levels in patients with hypercholesterolemia and ACS, and elevated sCD40-L levels have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. Statins, glitazones, glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, and clopidogrel have been demonstrated to effectively reduce CD40-L levels both in vitro and in vivo.

Swiss-Prot Accession Number: P29965