The CD40/CD40L system: A new therapeutic target for disease

• CD40/CD40L plays important roles in many pathologic and physiological processes.
• Targeting at CD40/CD40L system could influence the processes of many diseases.
• Drugs affecting CD40/CD40L have broad prospect in clinic.

The role of CD40/CD40 ligand (CD40L) interactions in atherothrombosis, in the response of the immune system to pathogens and in thrombosis is now widely accepted. A role for CD40–CD40L interactions has been identified in atherosclerosis (AS), and such interactions are known to destabilize atherosclerotic plaques by inducing the expression of cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases and pro-coagulant factors. CD40/CD40L interactions have also been implicated in immune system disorders. Recent studies have suggested that CD40/CD40L interactions regulate oxidative stress and affect various signaling pathways in both the immunological and the cardiovascular systems. Here, we discuss the current drugs that target the CD40/CD40Lsystem, as understanding the roles and regulations of CD40/CD40L-mediated signal pathways by these drugs could facilitate the development of therapeutics that target diverse diseases.