The interaction of the CD40-receptor expressed on B-lymphocytes with its ligand CD40L (gp39) on T-lymphocytes has been shown to be crucial for the activation of B-lymphocytes. Stimulation via the CD40 molecule induces cell proliferation, generation of memory B cells and Ig isotype switching and prevents apoptosis of B-lymphocytes in germinal centers of lymph nodes.

Small deletions or point mutations within the gene coding for the CD40 ligand (CD40L) result in the X-linked hyper-IgM syndrome, a disease characterized by high levels of IgM, inefficient synthesis of IgG, IgE or IgA, recurrent bacterial and pneumocystis carinii infections and an increased risk for autoimmune diseases and malignancies.

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