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The critical role of CD40/CD40L in the CD4‐dependent generation of CD8 + T cell immunity
Author(s) -
Clarke Sally R. McK.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
journal of leukocyte biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.819
H-Index - 191
eISSN - 1938-3673
pISSN - 0741-5400
DOI - 10.1002/jlb.67.5.607
Subject(s) - cytotoxic t cell , priming (agriculture) , biology , ctl* , cd40 , cd8 , immunology , t cell , antigen presenting cell , lytic cycle , microbiology and biotechnology , il 2 receptor , antigen , interleukin 21 , immune system , virus , in vitro , genetics , botany , germination
Control of virus infections and eradication of tumors usually involves the lytic activity of CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). The induction of effective CTL immunity relies on several factors, one of the most important of which is CD4 + T cell help. Numerous studies have demonstrated the dependence of CTL priming on the presence of CD4 + T cells, but until recently little was known of the mechanisms regulating this process. Based on reports that CD4 + and CD8 + T cells must recognize antigen on the same antigen‐presenting cell (APC), help was originally thought to be provided through the delivery of short‐range, CD4 + T cell‐secreted cytokines. However, the results of subsequent studies favor an alternative mechanism, whereby CD4 + T cells modify the APC, converting it into a stimulatory cell for CD8 + T cell priming. It is important that CD40 and its ligand, CD40L, have been implicated in the provision of this help and, in particular, the generation of long‐lasting CTL memory. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 607–614; 2000.