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PubMed1995

CD40 function in nonhematopoietic cells. Nuclear factor kappa B mobilization and induction of IL-6 production.

CD40 is a member of the TNF receptor family that was first characterized as an important T-B cell interaction molecule. This receptor is also expressed on many other cell types, including normal basal epithelium, carcinomas, and transformed cell lines. The functions of CD40 in non-B cells are largely unknown. Our studies demonstrate that CD40 mediates nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) mobilization and IL-6 production in nonhematopoietic cells. Stimulation of the transformed fibroblast cell line SV80 with CD40 ligand (CD40L) or anti-CD40 Ab resulted in the production of IL-6; this could be increased by IFN-gamma pretreatment, which is known to up-regulate CD40 expression. Studies with transfectants overexpressing CD40 demonstrated that activation of CD40 alone is sufficient to induce IL-6 production. The transcription factor NF-kappa B appears to play a central role in CD40-mediated activation of the IL-6 gene; NF-kappa B mobilization directly preceded CD40-mediated IL-6 production, and suppression of NF-kappa B mobilization with the metabolic inhibitor D609 also suppressed the IL-6 response. A striking similarity to the requirements for TNF-induced IL-6 production, which is mediated by the p55TNF receptor in SV80 cells, was observed. In view of the intracellular homologies between CD40 and the p55TNF receptor, it should be considered that the two receptors share common components in their signaling pathways that lead to IL-6 production.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Expression of functional CD40 on human osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma cells.

CD40, a membrane glycoprotein of the tumor necrosis factor receptor family, is expressed by several tumor types, including B-cell lymphomas, carcinomas, and melanoma, but little is known concerning its expression by sarcoma. We used flow cytometry to analyze the expression of CD40 in human cell lines derived from 12 osteosarcomas, 6 Ewing's sarcomas, and 5 rhabdomyosarcomas. Detectable CD40 levels ranging from low to very high were found in one-third of osteosarcomas, whereas five of six Ewing's sarcomas expressed intermediate levels of CD40; all rhabdomyosarcomas were CD40-negative. At the tissue level, two of eight primary high-grade osteosarcomas showed CD40-positive immunostaining. Osteosarcoma cells and Ewing's sarcoma cells expressing CD40 were treated with recombinant soluble CD40 ligand to analyze CD40 function. Treatment with soluble CD40 ligand increased the level of apoptotic cells and stimulated the transcription of matrix metalloproteinase 9 gene, enhancing matrix metalloproteinase 9 enzyme secretion. The results indicate that in human osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma, CD40 is a functional receptor whose engagement can have opposite effects on tumor cell survival and malignancy.

Apoptosis↗
PubMed2005

Novel role of CD40 in Fas-dependent apoptosis of cultured salivary epithelial cells from patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of Fas and CD40 in the molecular mechanism of salivary epithelial cell death in Sjogren's syndrome (SS). METHODS: The expression of Fas and CD40 in SS salivary epithelial cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. Induction of apoptosis with anti-Fas and/or anti-CD40 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) was examined by morphologic analysis, DNA fragmentation, and TUNEL assay. Expression of c-FLIP, Fas-associated phosphatase 1, FADD, Bcl-2, Bcl-x(L), and Bcl-x(S) was determined by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Expression of Fas and CD40 was significantly higher in SS salivary epithelial cells than in normal cells after interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) stimulation (P < 0.001 for both Fas and CD40). Although neither anti-Fas (CH11) nor anti-CD40 mAb alone could induce typical apoptosis, the two together and preincubation with IFNgamma efficiently induced apoptosis in SS salivary epithelial cells. This apoptosis was almost completely blocked by neutralizing anti-Fas mAb (ZB4), whereas an antagonistic mAb to CD40 (ch5D12) partially inhibited anti-Fas/anti-CD40-induced apoptosis. Also, c-FLIP, an important inhibitory molecule in the Fas death pathway, was strongly expressed in SS salivary epithelial cells, but its expression was down-regulated at the protein level by anti-CD40 mAb. CONCLUSION: CD40 signals promote Fas-dependent death of SS salivary epithelial cells by down-regulating c-FLIP expression. The presence of c-FLIP in these cells may explain their resistance to undergoing apoptosis in response to either anti-Fas or anti-CD40 mAb, despite their surface expression of both proteins. These findings suggest that SS salivary epithelial cell death requires the cooperation of both Fas and CD40.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

TRAF interactions with raft-like buoyant complexes, better than TRAF rates of degradation, differentiate signaling by CD40 and EBV latent membrane protein 1.

The CD40 receptor and the Epstein-Barr virus oncoprotein LMP1 are both members of the TNF-receptor family and share several signaling mediators, including TRAF2 and TRAF3. Depending on the cell lineage and stage of maturation, LMP1 and CD40 can have synergistic, antagonist or unrelated effects. Previous publications have suggested that both TRAF2 and TRAF3 move into lipid rafts upon LMP1 expression or CD40 activation, whereas their proteolysis is only enhanced by CD40. However CD40-induced proteolysis of TRAF2 has only been reported in murine cells, and there are conflicting data regarding translocation of TRAF2 into lipid rafts. We therefore investigated TRAF2 and TRAF3 modifications induced by CD40 and LMP1 signaling in a panel of human cell lines of lymphoid and epithelial origins. Upon CD40 stimulation, a marked redistribution of TRAF2 into the buoyant raft fraction was observed in all cell lines and was often associated with a similar redistribution of TRAF3. In contrast, only TRAF3 was redistributed into the raft fraction upon LMP1 expression. Moreover parallel changes in subcellular distribution of TRAF2 and TRAF3 were recorded by electron microscopy. A significant decrease in TRAF2 and TRAF3 concentrations triggered by CD40 ligation was observed in only 1 cell line and there was no evidence that this decrease was required for the negative feed-back on JNK activation. TRAF2 redistribution into raft-like complexes thus appears as the most significant event distinctive of CD40 and LMP1 signaling. On the other hand, the parallel influence of CD40 and LMP1 on TRAF3 redistribution is consistent with functional similarities between the CD40-TRAF3 and LMP1-TRAF3 axes.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

CD40 is not detected on human prostate cancer cells by immunohistologic techniques.

OBJECTIVES: The CD40 antigen is expressed by antigen-presenting cells, many kinds of epithelium, and carcinomas. As signaling through CD40 modulates the differentiation state of CD40-expressing cells, we wanted to investigate whether benign or malignant prostate epithelium expressed CD40. METHODS: Twenty-two paraffin-embedded and 10 snap-frozen human prostate tissue samples were analyzed by immunohistologic methods, using the basal cell-specific markers, high molecular weight cytokeratin (HMWCK) and keratin-14 (K14), and the luminal cell marker, low molecular weight cytokeratin (LMWCK), together with CD40. Fresh prostate tissue was cultured in vitro and analyzed by immunocytofluorescence. RESULTS: The pattern of CD40 expression was continuous on basal epithelial cells of normal and hyperplastic prostate glands but discontinuous in glands that featured prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Coexpression of CD40 with the basal cell-specific cytokeratins, HMWCK and K14, was confirmed by double labeling. In contrast, glandular epithelial cells in prostate adenocarcinoma did not express CD40 or these cytokeratins. A luminal cell phenotype defined as CAM5.2-positive and HMWCK-negative K14-negative was identified among primary epithelial cells cultured in vitro. Most of the cultured cells (more than 99%) were also CD40-negative. CONCLUSIONS: Together, our results support the hypothesis that CD40 expression correlates with the basal cell phenotype, which is lost upon malignant transformation of the prostate. Hence, CD40 may be useful diagnostically to distinguish benign from malignant prostate lesions in biopsy material.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1996

Expression of the CD40 antigen on normal endothelial cells and in benign and malignant tumours of vascular origin.

CD40, a member of the nerve growth factor/tumour necrosis factor-receptor family, is expressed on endothelial cells in situ and in tissue culture. It is functionally involved in the regulation of the expression of adhesion molecules in these cells. In the current study we investigated the expression of CD40 on the endothelia of normal fetal and adult human tissues, as well as in the stroma of various neoplasms and in different inflammatory tissue reactions. By immunohistochemistry, endothelia were negative or only weakly positive for CD40 in all normal adult and most fetal organs studied. In contrast, endothelial cells of fetal and embryonic lungs, kidneys and larger vessels consistently expressed the CD40 antigen. Strong expression of CD40 on endothelial cells of blood vessels but not of lymphatic vessels was found in inflammatory reactions. In 65 tumours of vascular origin we found moderate to strong expression of CD40 in all of four juvenile proliferating capillary haemangiomas and 11 lobular capillary haemangiomas of adults. Senile and cavernous haemangiomas as well as lymphangiomas were negative or exhibited only weak CD40 reactivity. Weak to moderate CD40 expression was found in five of eight malignant neoplasms of endothelial origin. Our finding that the CD40 antigen is present on only a minority of normal endothelial cells, whereas strong staining can be detected on the majority of endothelial cells in inflammatory processes, complements previous reports which suggest that this surface receptor plays an important role in tissue inflammation. The heterogeneous pattern of expression in malignant endothelial neoplasms argues against a major role for CD40 in the pathogenesis of these tumours. Its consistent presence in juvenile and lobular capillary haemangiomas suggests rather the involvement of CD40 in the development and/or progression of these benign vascular proliferations.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Acquisition of CD40 expression during murine B-cell differentiation.

Expression of CD40 on mouse cells was investigated comparing the binding to cells of a monoclonal antibody against CD40, to that of a soluble fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domains of the mouse CD40-ligand. The analysis of a series of established cell lines failed to demonstrate expression of CD40 on pro- or pre-B cells, and indicated that CD40 expression was restricted to cells that had undergone productive heavy- and light-chain gene rearrangements, and expressed surface Ig. In cells from normal mice, CD40 first becomes detectable, although at low levels, on a subset of small pre-B-II cells in bone marrow, the levels of CD40 expression increasing thereafter during B-cell maturation. Thus, immature B cells (IgM+ IgDlo B220lo) express intermediate levels of CD40, and mature B cells (IgM+ IgDhi B220hi) express high levels of CD40. Anatomical location also seems to correlate with the levels of CD40 expression, as B cells expressing the highest levels of CD40 were found in lymph nodes and Peyer's patches.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

CD40 engagement enhances eosinophil survival through induction of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 expression: Possible involvement in allergic inflammation.

BACKGROUND: CD40 engagement enhances eosinophil survival, suggesting a role for this receptor in the development of eosinophilia. OBJECTIVE: We examined whether CD40 enhances eosinophil survival by inducing the expression of antiapoptotic proteins. Three members of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family, namely cellular (c)-IAP1, c-IAP2, and XIAP, and 2 antiapoptotic proteins of the Bcl-2 family, namely Bcl-x(L) and Bfl-1/A1, were investigated. METHODS: Blood and sputum were obtained from healthy subjects and atopic asthmatic patients. Blood eosinophils were isolated by means of magnetic selection. Expression of CD40, IAPs, and Bcl-2 proteins was investigated by using flow cytometry, immunoblotting, or both. CD40 stimulation was achieved with agonistic antibodies or soluble ligands. Apoptosis was assessed by staining with propidium iodide and FITC-conjugated annexin-V. c-IAP2 expression was inhibited with antisense oligonucleotides. RESULTS: Freshly isolated eosinophils from healthy and asthmatic patients did not express CD40. Conversely, eosinophils expressed CD40 spontaneously when cultured for 48 hours. At this time point, CD40 stimulation significantly delayed eosinophil apoptosis. Inhibition of eosinophil apoptosis was accompanied by induction of c-IAP2 but not c-IAP1, XIAP, Bcl-x(L), or Bfl-1/A1 expression. Antisense knockdown of c-iap2 abolished CD40-induced enhancement of eosinophil survival. Sputum cells from asthmatic patients, unlike those from healthy subjects, substantially expressed CD40 and c-IAP2. Moreover, a strong correlation was found between the percentage of eosinophils in the sputum from asthmatic patients and the sputum level of CD40 and c-IAP2 expression. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that CD40 engagement enhances eosinophil survival through induction of c-IAP2 expression and suggest a role for this mechanism in allergic inflammation.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Regulation of CD40 function by its isoforms generated through alternative splicing.

CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. The interaction between CD40 and CD40 ligand (CD154) activates NF-kappa B, Jun N-terminal kinase, and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription pathways and promotes B cell growth, differentiation, and survival as well as IL-12 production in macrophages and dendritic cells. We demonstrate here the existence of multiple isoforms of CD40 mRNA generated by alternative splicing and show that their expression is regulated differentially in activated macrophages and dendritic cells. Pre-CD40 RNA is spliced preferentially out to signal-transducible CD40 mRNA in the early stage of activation; half of the CD40 mRNA is replaced by the signal-nontransducible CD40 mRNAs in the later stages (24 h). Using IL-12 p40 gene expression as a reporter for CD40 signaling, we show that three of the alternative isoforms can disable signaling through CD40. The major alternative isoform lacks the membrane-associated endodomain and seems to reduce the amount of the signal-transducible form available on the cell surface. It would seem, therefore, that CD40 expression is controlled by posttranscriptional and posttranslational regulation through alternative splicing. Modulation of isoform expression may provide a mechanism by which cells regulate their susceptibility to CD40L signaling.

Alternative Splicing↗
PubMed1999

CD40 signaling through tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs). Binding site specificity and activation of downstream pathways by distinct TRAFs.

Tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factors (TRAFs) associate with the CD40 cytoplasmic domain and initiate signaling after CD40 receptor multimerization by its ligand. We used saturating peptide-based mutational analyses of the TRAF1/TRAF2/TRAF3 and TRAF6 binding sequences in CD40 to finely map residues involved in CD40-TRAF interactions. The core binding site for TRAF1, TRAF2, and TRAF3 in CD40 could be minimally substituted. The TRAF6 binding site demonstrated more amino acid sequence flexibility and could be optimized. Point mutations that eliminated or enhanced binding of TRAFs to one or both sites were made in CD40 and tested in quantitative CD40-TRAF binding assays. Sequences flanking the core TRAF binding sites were found to modulate TRAF binding, and the two TRAF binding sites were not independent. Cloned stable transfectants of human embryonic kidney 293 cells that expressed wild type CD40 or individual CD40 mutations were used to demonstrate that both TRAF binding sites were required for optimal NF-kappaB and c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation. In contrast, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation was primarily dependent upon TRAF6 binding. These studies suggest a role in CD40 signaling for competitive TRAF binding and imply that CD40 responses reflect an integration of signals from individual TRAFs.

Amino Acid Substitution↗
PubMed1999

CD40 signals apoptosis through FAN-regulated activation of the sphingomyelin-ceramide pathway.

The possibility that the sphingomyelin (SM)-ceramide pathway is activated by CD40, a transmembrane glycoprotein belonging to the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily and that plays a critical role in the regulation of immune responses has been investigated. We demonstrate that incubation of Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphoid cells with an anti-CD40 antibody acting as an agonist results in the stimulation of a neutral sphingomyelinase, hydrolysis of cellular SM, and concomitant ceramide generation. In addition, SM degradation was observed in acid sphingomyelinase-deficient cells, as well as after ligation by soluble CD40 ligand. The anti-CD40 antibody, as well as the soluble CD40 ligand induced a decrease in thymidine incorporation and morphological features of apoptosis, which were mimicked by cell-permeant or bacterial sphingomyelinase-produced ceramides. Stable expression of a dominant-negative form of the FAN protein (factor associated with neutral sphingomyelinase activation), which has been reported to mediate tumor necrosis factor-induced activation of neutral sphingomyelinase, significantly inhibited CD40 ligand-induced sphingomyelinase stimulation and apoptosis of transformed human fibroblasts. Transformed fibroblasts from FAN knockout mice were also protected from CD40-mediated cell death. Finally, anti-CD40 antibodies were able to co-immunoprecipitate FAN in control fibroblasts but not in cells expressing the dominant-negative form of FAN, indicating interaction between CD40 and FAN. Altogether, these results strongly suggest that CD40 ligation can activate via FAN a neutral sphingomyelinase-mediated ceramide pathway that is involved in the cell growth inhibitory effects of CD40.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Critical role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and NF-kappa B in interferon-gamma -induced CD40 expression in microglia/macrophages.

CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. CD40 expression on antigen-presenting cells (including macrophages and microglia) is crucial for T-cell activation. Aberrant expression of CD40 has been associated with autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. We have recently shown that the cytokine interferon (IFN)-gamma is the most potent inducer of CD40 expression in macrophages and microglia, and this induction is mediated by the IFN-gamma-activated transcription factor STAT-1alpha and constitutively expressed PU.1 and/or Spi-B. In this study, we have discovered that a major component of IFN-gamma-induced CD40 expression involves the endogenous production of the cytokine TNF-alpha. The inclusion of anti-TNF-alpha-neutralizing antibody significantly inhibits IFN-gamma-induced CD40 mRNA and CD40 promoter activity. IFN-gamma-induced CD40 protein expression is attenuated in TNF-alpha-deficient microglia and can be restored with exogenous TNF-alpha. Site-directed mutagenesis studies demonstrate that three of the four NF-kappaB elements in the CD40 promoter are required for IFN-gamma-induced CD40 promoter activity. IFN-gamma treatment leads to the activation of NF-kappaB in a time-dependent manner, which is inhibited in the presence of anti-TNF-alpha-neutralizing antibody. These results indicate that IFN-gamma-induced TNF-alpha production and subsequent NF-kappaB activation are integral parts of the mechanism of IFN-gamma-induced CD40 expression.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Upregulation of CD40 expression on endothelial cells infected with human cytomegalovirus.

CD40 has been identified as an important molecule for a number of processes, such as immune responses, inflammation, and the activation of endothelia. We investigated CD40 in endothelial cells (EC) following infection with an endotheliotropic strain of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Between 8 and 72 h postinfection, we observed a significant increase in CD40 levels on the surface of infected EC, as measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. As a consequence of CD40 upregulation, increased levels of E-selectin were found on infected EC after stimulation with CD154-expressing T cells. Enhanced expression of CD40 was specific for EC, since infection of fibroblasts did not result in the upregulation of CD40. The addition of neutralizing antibodies as well as UV inactivation of virus completely prevented the upregulation of CD40 on EC. Also, laboratory-adapted HCMV strain AD169 was not able to induce CD40 on EC. De novo protein synthesis was necessary for the increased surface expression. At early times (4 to 24 h) postinfection, this change was not accompanied by increased levels of CD40 protein or mRNA. At late times (48 to 96 h) postinfection, increased amounts of CD40 protein and mRNA were detected. Immunohistochemical analysis of infected tissues demonstrated elevated levels of CD40 on HCMV-infected EC in vivo. Thus, infection of EC by HCMV may result in the activation of endothelia and in the augmentation of inflammatory processes.

CD40 Antigens↗
PubMed2004

Anti-CD40 antibodies in antiphospholipid syndrome and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Anti-beta2glycoprotein I (anti-beta2GPI) antibodies constitute the main autoantibody specificity in the sera of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). There is evidence that anti-beta2GPI antibodies induce the precoagulant activity of the endothelium by cross-linking the beta2 glycoprotein I (beta2GPI) on the cell surface. Since beta2GPI lacks intracellular domains, homology with other molecules such as CD40 that could initiate signaling, was extensively searched. A 86% homology between the amino acid position 239-245 of the CD40 and 7-13 of the beta2glycoprotein was found. The CD40 peptide corresponding to amino acids 239-245 of the CD40 molecule was synthesized and coupled to a multiple antigenic peptide carrier. Antibodies to CD40 peptide were found in 61.5% APS patients (n = 39), in 72.7% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) positive for anti-beta2GPI antibodies (n = 11) and 31.6% of SLE negative for anti-beta2GPI antibodies (n = 19), but not in rheumatoid arthritis patients (n = 28) or controls (n = 36). Antibodies to CD40 peptide were associated with arterial thrombosis and/or brain microinfarcts. Affinity purified anti-CD40 peptide antibodies as well as affinity purified anti-beta2GPI antibodies recognized both, the beta2GPI and the CD40 peptide. The specificity of this recognition was confirmed with homologous and heterologous inhibition experiments. Confocal microscopy experiments demonstrated this cross-recognition of CD40 and beta2GPI molecules, by the purified anti-CD40 peptide antibodies, at the protein level. Thus, antibodies reacting with the beta2GPI can react and potentially activate different cells which express CD40 molecules at their surface.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Diminished expression of CD40 ligand by activated neonatal T cells.

CD40 and CD40 ligand (gp39) mediate contact-dependent T-B cell interaction. We determined the expression of CD40 ligand by activated neonatal T cells and the response of neonatal B cells when activated through CD40. Although expression of CD40 ligand peaked simultaneously in both activated adult and neonatal cells, neonatal T cells expressed significantly less CD40 ligand surface protein and mRNA than adult T cells. Activated thymocytes also expressed far less CD40 ligand than adult T cells. Consistent with these results, activated neonatal T cells exhibited less helper function than activated adult T cells. Neonatal T cells primed and restimulated in vitro expressed CD40 ligand in amounts comparable with adult T cells and provided B cell help more effectively. This suggests that the poor expression of CD40 ligand reflects antigenic naiveté rather than an intrinsic defect of neonatal T cells. Neonatal B cells cultured with soluble CD40 ligand (sgp39) and IL-10 produced IgM in amounts comparable with adult cells, but much less IgG and IgA. Nevertheless, neonatal B cells were capable of proliferation and class switching, since sgp39 and IL-4 induced proliferation and IgE production comparable to adult B cells and production of modest amounts of IgG. Together, these results indicate that diminished CD40 ligand expression, along with decreased production of lymphokines, may be responsible, at least in part, for the transient immunodeficiency observed in human neonates.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

CD40 expression by human peripheral blood eosinophils.

In this study, we have investigated CD40 expression in human peripheral blood eosinophils and in human chronically inflamed nasal tissues, i.e., nasal polyps. We show by both reverse transcriptase-PCR and Northern blot analysis that eosinophils from allergic subjects express human CD40 mRNA. We also show that constitutive CD40 mRNA expression in eosinophils could be upregulated by exposure to IgA immune complexes and downregulated by IL-10 and the synthetic steroid budesonide. In addition, we demonstrate that eosinophils express CD40 protein by flow cytometry. Such expression is biologically functional as cross-linking CD40 with CD40 mAbs enhances eosinophil survival in a dose-dependent fashion; in addition, CD40 ligation stimulates eosinophils to release GM-CSF. CD40-mediated eosinophil survival was largely inhibited by an anti-GM-CSF neutralizing antibody suggesting GM-CSF involvement in the survival enhancing mechanism. CD40 mRNA was also detected in total RNA extracted from nasal polyp tissues but not in RNA isolated from normal nasal mucosa (inferior turbinate); by immunohistochemistry, we were able to detect immunoreactive CD40 protein in a variety of cell types in the polyp stroma, but primarily in eosinophils. These observations suggest previously unforeseen interactions between eosinophils and cells expressing the CD40 ligand and, thus, novel pathways by which eosinophils may contribute to the regulation of airway inflammation.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗
PubMed2006

In vivo CD40 ligation can induce T-cell-independent antitumor effects that involve macrophages.

We have previously demonstrated T cell-independent antitumor and antimetastatic effects of CD40 ligation that involved natural killer (NK) cells. As CD40 molecules are expressed on the surface of macrophages (Mphi), we hypothesized that Mphi may also serve as antitumor effector cells when activated by CD40 ligation. Progression of subcutaneous NXS2 murine neuroblastomas was delayed significantly by agonistic CD40 monoclonal antibody (anti-CD40 mAb) therapy in immunocompetent A/J mice, as well as in T and B cell-deficient severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mice. Although NK cells can be activated by anti-CD40 mAb, anti-CD40 mAb treatment also induced a significant antitumor effect in SCID/beige mice in the absence of T and NK effector cells, even when noncytolytic NK cells and polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) were depleted. Furthermore, in vivo treatment with anti-CD40 mAb resulted in enhanced expression of cytokines and cell surface activation markers, as well as Mphi-mediated tumor inhibition in A/J mice, C57BL/6 mice, and SCID/beige mice, as measured in vitro. A role for Mphi was shown by reduction in the antitumor effect of anti-CD40 mAb when Mphi functions were inhibited in vivo by silica. In addition, activation of peritoneal Mphi by anti-CD40 mAb resulted in survival benefits in mice bearing intraperitoneal tumors. Taken together, our results show that anti-CD40 mAb immunotherapy of mice can inhibit tumor growth in the absence of T cells, NK cells, and PMN through the involvement of activated Mphi.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Cd40 expression in uterine tissues: a key regulator of cytokine expression by fibroblasts.

CD40 is a cell surface receptor initially discovered on cells of the hemopoietic lineage. Its primary role on immune cells is to enhance their activation and hence their production of cytokines and immunomodulatory molecules. Recently, CD40 has also been detected on human fibroblasts. An emerging view of the fibroblast is that it is far more than a structural cell, being capable of intimate interaction with cells of the immune system. In fibroblasts from several tissues, the engagement of CD40 with its ligand (CD40L) resulted in the secretion of proinflammatory molecules such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8. Currently, there are few data about the presence of the CD40-CD40L system in female reproductive tissues. This study investigates the expression of CD40 by human endometrium, myometrium, and cervix both in situ and in tissue explant-derived fibroblasts. CD40 was detected mainly in the perivascular region of endometrium, myometrium, and cervix. Light staining for CD40 was observed in stromal elements. Additionally, the basal epithelium of cervix expressed CD40. Fibroblastic cells derived from all three sources express low levels of CD40, and this is up-regulated with interferon-gamma treatment (500 U/mL; 72 h). When activated with interferon-gamma and CD40L, the fibroblasts secreted increased amounts of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1. These data suggest that the CD40-CD40L system may provide a link between the resident structural cells of these reproductive tissues and the infiltrating immune cells or activated platelets that may express CD40L. The possible interaction of CD40 with CD40L may be particularly important during events such as menstruation and cervical ripening, where up-regulation of the proinflammatory molecules IL-6 and IL-8 is viewed as critical for these processes. In addition, dysregulation of this system may be a contributory factor to problems such as menstrual dysfunction and preterm labor.

CD40 Antigens↗