Description
CD154, also known as CD40 ligand or CD40L, is a member of the TNF superfamily. While CD154 was originally found on T cell surface, its expression has since been found on a wide variety of cells, including platelets, mast cells, macrophages and NK cells. CD154’s ability is achieved through binding to the CD40 on antigen-presenting cells (APC). In the macrophage cells, the primary signal for activation is IFN-γ from Th1 type CD4 T cells. The secondary signal is CD40L on the T cell, which interacting with the CD40 molecules, helping increase the level of activation.