The cell surface molecule CD40 is a member of the tumor necrosis factor rec
eptor (TNFR) family and plays a pivotal role in the immune system due in pa
rt to its wide tissue distribution. Early studies focused on CD40 in B cell
biology, but recent work demonstrates a broader role for CD40 in the immun
e system contributing to cell-mediated as well as humoral immune responses.
Disruption of CD40 and its ligand, CD154 leads to immunodeficiency as in t
he case of hyper IgM syndrome. Likewise, blockade of CD40-CD154 interaction
s can be exploited to control misguided autoimmune responses. This article
provides a brief overview of CD40 with a focus on its involvement in diseas
e and its usefulness as a therapeutic target.