CD40L (CD154), His-tag Recombinant

CD40L (CD40 ligand), also known as TNFSF5 (tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 5) and CD154, is a type II membrane glycoprotein that exists in cells in a membrane bound (mCD40L) and a soluble (sCD40L) form. It is found at high levels in activated CD4+ T cells, and at lower levels in Th1, Th2, Th17 and Tregs. Expression can also be induced in NK cells, CD8+ T cells, basophils, and others. CD40 and CD40L are stimulatory immune checkpoints, and their signaling is mediated by different TRAF (TNF receptor associated factor), in a cell and stimuli-dependent mode. For example, it mediates the activation of the NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-B) pathway. The role of CD40 and CD40L as immune checkpoints makes them highly attractive targets in cancer therapy, and several clinical trials using anti-CD40 or anti-CD40L agonist antibodies or trying to increase their expression are underway, targeting both hematological and solid tumors. The inhibition of CD40:CD40L interaction is also clinically relevant, and clinical trials have been focusing on treatment options for lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) . Further studies and development of refined therapies will continue to benefit the cancer therapy field and patients suffering from autoimmune disorders.