THE CD40-CD154 SYSTEM IN ANTIINFECTIVE HOST-DEFENSE

Research in the past few years has documented significant advances in our understanding of the CD40-CD40 ligand (CD154) system in diverse im mune functions. This system influences many T cell mediated inflammato ry immune responses and effector functions, unmasking a previously une xpected role for CD40-CD154 in cell mediated immunity. Manipulation of CD154 in animal models of infection by the use of CD154-deficient mic e or anti-CD154 antibodies has shown the importance of this system in the initiation of the inflammatory response, in the activation of anti gen-presenting cells and in resistance to infections.