CD40/CD40L基因及其多态性与动脉粥样硬化的研究进展

CD40/CD40配体(CD40L)是一对互补的跨膜糖蛋白,表达于免疫细胞、内皮细胞、平滑肌细胞、血小板等多种细胞上,参与免疫、炎症、高凝等多种病理生理状态的调控。大量研究表明:当发生动脉粥样硬化时,CD40与CD40L结合活化后进入细胞,激活包括核转录因子NF-κB在内的下游信号通道,上调促炎和促血栓形成基因的表达,在动脉粥样硬化的发生发展以及斑块破裂诸多环节中发挥重要作用。CD40/CD40L是沟通免疫、炎症、高凝状态三者间的桥梁,可能是防治心血管疾病的重要靶点。

Developments in the study of CD40/ CD40L gene and its polymorphism in atherosclerosis

CD40/CD40L is a pair of complementary transmembrane glycoproteins, expressed on immune cells, endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, platelets and other cells involved in regulation of immunity, inflammation, coagulation and other pathophysiologic states. A large number of researches have demonstrated that, when atherosclerosis occurs, CD40L ligates CD40; subsequently CD40 is activated and stimulates downstream signaling pathways, including nuclear factor-kappaB, with consequent up-regulation of proinflammatory and proatherogenic genes. Thus it plays an important role in the occurrence, development and plaque-rupture of atherosclerosis. CD40/CD40L is a bridge between immunity, inflammation, and a hypercoagulable state, and may be an important target for prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.