Immune Netw.  2012 Oct;12(5):176-180. 10.4110/in.2012.12.5.176.

Regulation of Inflammation by Bidirectional Signaling through CD137 and Its Ligand

• Kwon B

• KMID: 2150746
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4110/in.2012.12.5.176

Abstract

Although the majority of research on CD137 has been directed to T cells, it is becoming clear that this molecule has distinct functions in other lineages of cells, including non-hematopoietic cells. In particular, emerging evidence suggests that the CD137-its ligand (CD137L) network involving immune cells and non-immune cells, directly or indirectly regulates inflammation in both positive and negative manners. Bidirectional signaling through both CD137 and CD137L is critical in the evolution of inflammation: 1) CD137L signaling plays an indispensible role in the activation and recruitment of neutrophils by inducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in hematopoietic and non-hematopoietic cells such as macrophages, endothelial cells and epithelial cells; 2) CD137 signaling in NK cells and T cells is required for their activation and can influence other cells participating in inflammation via either their production of proinflammatory cytokines or engagement of CD137L by their cell surface CD137: 3) CD137 signaling can suppress inflammation by controlling regulatory activities of dendritic cells and regulatory T cells. As recognition grows of the role of dysregulated CD137 or CD137L stimulation in inflammatory diseases, significant efforts will be needed to develop antagonists to CD137 or CD137L.

Keyword

CD137; CD137L; Inflammation

MeSH Terms

Chemokines
Cytokines
Dendritic Cells
Endothelial Cells
Inflammation
Killer Cells, Natural
Macrophages
Neutrophils
T-Lymphocytes
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory
Chemokines
Cytokines

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a bidirectional signal transduction of the CD137 and CD137L pathway in inflammation.

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