Immunological function of tubular epithelial cells: The functional implications of CD40 expression

The inflammation in the kidney is characterized by the presence of activate d T cells. Both by the local production of cytokines, as well as by direct cell-cell interactions, these activated T cells might affect the immune and inflammatory response. Recently it has been demonstrated that these kidney -infiltrating T cells express CD40 ligand and that tubular epithelial cells (TECs) express CD40, In the present review we will discuss the potential i mplications of CD40-CD40L interactions for the activation of TECs and its i mmunological function, Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.