Description
Product Characteristics: CD40, a member of the TNF receptor family, is a cell surface protein expressed on B cells, dendritic cells, monocytes, thymic epithelial cells and, at low levels, on T cells. Signaling though CD40 plays an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of B cells, and is critical for immunoglobulin (Ig) class switching. The membrane-anchored CD40-Ligand is expressed almost exclusively on activated CD4+ T lymphocytes. Failure to express CD40L leads to immunodeficiency with hyper-IgM, a disease characterized by failure to produce IgG, IgA and IgE. The human CD40L gene codes for a 261 amino acid type II transmembrane protein, which contains a 22 amino acid cytoplasmic domain, a 24 amino acid transmembrane domain, and a 215 amino acid extracellular domain.
Target Information: The protein encoded by this gene is expressed on the surface of T cells. It regulates B cell function by engaging CD40 on the B cell surface. A defect in this gene results in an inability to undergo immunoglobulin class switch and is associated with hyper-IgM syndrome. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]