Expression of CD40 and CD40L on tumor cells: the role of their interaction and new approach to immunotherapy.

In the review the modern insights on the role of expression of CD40 and CD40L and the role of their interaction on tumor cells growth are analyzed. Information about the structure and biologic properties of these molecules and their interaction is presented. The question on the role of CD40/CD40L interaction is highlighted in two aspects--the possibility of tumor growth inhibition and its stimulation. According to the mentioned aspects, immunologic mechanisms providing tumor growth inhibition (the role of dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, natural killer cells etc.), and also the possibility of apoptotic events are discussed. Possibility of tumor growth stimulation upon the influence of CD40/CD40L interaction that could occur in some cases is analyzed as well. The data of literature about new approaches to immunotherapy of cancer based on CD40/CD40L interactionare summarized.