CD40-induced countercurrent conduits for tumor escape or elimination?

Trends Immunol. 2007 Nov;28(11):467-73. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2007.08.010. Epub 2007 Nov 5.

Abstract

CD40--which is expressed on endothelial cells and antigen-presenting cells, such as B cells, macrophages and dendritic cells--is a glycoprotein receptor for T cell-expressed CD40-ligand. CD40 signaling leads to production of both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediators. Some of these mediators, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, help in angiogenesis, forming new capillaries. Although these capillaries can function as conduits for tumor-cell metastasis, these same vessels can also be a gateway for entry of activated anti-tumor effector cells that eliminate tumors. How such countercurrent processes can be turned in favor of anti-tumor immunity remains to be shown.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Angiopoietins / immunology
  • Angiopoietins / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / metabolism*
  • CD40 Antigens / immunology
  • CD40 Antigens / metabolism*
  • Chemokines / immunology
  • Chemokines / metabolism
  • Endothelial Cells / immunology*
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Neoplasms / immunology*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic
  • Signal Transduction
  • Tumor Escape*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / immunology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism*

Substances

  • Angiopoietins
  • CD40 Antigens
  • Chemokines
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A