Description
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 tumor 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