The CD40 antigen is a single chain glycoprotein with a calculated molecular weight of 27 kD. It is known to be a member of the tumor necrosis factor/nerve growth factor superfamily and shows a significant homology to the Hodgkin’s disease-associated antigen, CD30. The precise function of the CD40 antigen is unknown, but it appears to be involved in the transduction of regulatory signals for cellular functions such as B cell proliferation and differentiation. It is also important in the prevention of apoptosis of germinal centre B cells. The CD40 antigen is found on mature B cells (except plasma cells), interdigitating reticulum cells and follicular dendritic cells.
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