Mechanisms of LPS-induced CD40 expression in human peripheral blood monocytic cells

CD40 plays important roles in cell-mediated and humoral immune responses. In this study, we explored mechanisms underlying lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced CD40 expression in purified human peripheral blood monocytic cells (PBMCs) from healthy volunteers. Exposure to LPS induced increases in CD40 mRNA and protein expression on PBMCs. LPS stimulation caused IκBα degradation. Inhibition of NFκB activation abrogated LPS-induced CD40 expression. LPS stimulation also resulted in phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, however, only Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) was partially involved in LPS-induced CD40 expression. In addition, LPS exposure resulted in elevated interferon γ (IFNγ) levels in the medium of PBMCs. Neutralization of IFNγ and IFNγ receptor using specific antibodies blocked LPS-induced CD40 expression by 44% and 37%, respectively. In summary, LPS-induced CD40 expression on human PBMCs through activation of NFκB and JNK, and partially through the induction of IFNγ production.