R-Phycoerytrhin Soluble CD40L antibody conjugate (30B4)

CD40L, also known as CD154, is a type II transmembrane protein which is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. CD40L is expressed at the cell surface as a trimer and is a ligand for the co-stimulatory molecule CD40. It is expressed primarily by activated T cells, activated B cells and platelets. Under inflammatory conditions it is also expressed on monocytic cells, natural killer cells, mast cells, and basophils. CD40 and CD40L are involved in a variety of cellular immune processes and immune regulation.A truncated form of CD40L also exists as soluble CD40L (sCD40L), which is produced primarily by platelets. The molecule has the ability to function as a cytokine and contributes to the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and atherothrombosis. Studies suggest a potential role for sCD40L as a biomarker for measuring clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes and for predicting risk of cardiovascular disease in women. However, the application of this biomarker to clinical cardiology is still uncertain.