Costimulatory molecule CD154 in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Therapeutic perspectives.

SLE is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by B cell hyperactivity. Evidence from the last years has shown that B cells play a key role in the development of the immune response. The interaction of CD40 on B cells with its ligand CD154 on activated T cells provides a costimulatory signal that induces T dependent B cell proliferation and differentiation with subsequent antibody production. Moreover, CD154 can act as a cytokine, in addition to its main role to mediate the interactions between T and CD40+ target cells. This review focuses on the multiple roles of CD154 in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis and its involvement in the humoral immunity disregulation of patients with these diseases. It also takes in consideration the most recent therapeutic perspectives regarding the use of monoclonal antibodies against CD154, which might be a powerful tool in the treatment of these diseases in the future.