The cluster of differentiation (CD) system is commonly used as cell markers in immunophynotyping. Different kinds of cells in the immune system can be identified through the surface CD molecules which associating with the immune function of the cell. There are more than 320 CD unique clusters and subclusters have been identified. Some of the CD molecules serve as receptors or ligands important to the cell through initiating a signal cascade which then alter the behavior of the cell. Some CD proteins do not take part in cell signal process but have other functions such as cell adhesion. CD154, also known as CD40 ligand or CD40L, is a member of the TNF superfamily. While CD154 was originally found on T cell surface, its expression has since been found on a wide variety of cells, including platelets, mast cells, macrophages and NK cells. CD154's ability is achieved through binding to the CD40 on antigen- presenting cells (APC). In the macrophage cells, the primary signal for activation is IFN-γ from Th1 type CD4 T cells. The secondary signal is CD40L on the T cell, which interacting with the CD40 molecules, helping increase the level of activation.
