The CD40-TRAF6 axis is the key regulator of the CD40/CD40L system in neointima formation and arterial remodeling

MM Donners, L Beckers, D Lievens, I Munnix, J Heemskerk, BJ Janssen, E Wijnands, J Cleutjens, A Zernecke, C Weber, CL Ahonen, U Benbow, AC Newby, RJ Noelle, MJ Daemen, E Lutgens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle (Academic Journal)peer-review

77 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We investigated the role of CD40 and CD40L in neointima formation and identified the downstream CD40-signaling intermediates (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-receptor associated factors [TRAF]) involved. Neointima formation was induced in wild-type, CD40(-/-), CD40L(-/-), and in CD40(-/-) mice that contained a CD40 transgene with or without mutations at the CD40-TRAF2,3&5, TRAF6, or TRAF2,3,5&6 binding sites. Compared with wild-type mice, CD40(-/-) mice showed a significant decrease in neointima formation with increased collagen deposition and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration. Neointima formation was also impaired in wild-type mice reconstituted with CD40(-/-) bone marrow. In vitro, the capacity of CD40(-/-) leukocytes to adhere to the endothelium was reduced. Ligated carotid arteries of CD40(-/-) mice showed a smaller total vessel volume and an impaired remodeling capacity, reflected by decreased gelatinolytic/collagenolytic activity. Comparable results were found in mice with defects in CD40-TRAF6 and CD40-TRAF 2/3/5&6 binding, but not in mice with defects in CD40-TRAF2/3&5 binding. Neointima formation and vascular remodeling in CD40-receptor-deficient mice is impaired, due to a decreased inflammatory cell infiltration and matrix-degrading protease activity, with CD40-TRAF6 signaling as the key regulator. This identifies the CD40-TRAF6 axis as a potential therapeutic target in vascular disease.
Translated title of the contributionThe CD40-TRAF6 axis is the key regulator of the CD40/CD40L system in neointima formation and arterial remodeling
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4596 - 4604
Number of pages9
JournalBlood
Volume111(9)
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2008

Bibliographical note

Publisher: Journal of the American Society of Hemotology

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