Expression of CD40 by the cells of benign and malignant breast tumors and antitumor action of autologous lymphocytes against chemoresistant and chemosensitive tumors.

Aim: To study the expression of CD40 by cells of benign and malignant tumors of mammary gland, and to compare the efficacy of lymphocytes antitumor activity against drug resistant and sensitive breast tumors in relevance to CD40 expression.

Methods: Breast tumor explants were cultured with autologous lymphocytes in double diffusion chambers. The results were evaluated by morphological criteria of explants growth.

Expression of CD40 and CD40L on tumor cells: the role of their interaction and new approach to immunotherapy.

In the review the modern insights on the role of expression of CD40 and CD40L and the role of their interaction on tumor cells growth are analyzed. Information about the structure and biologic properties of these molecules and their interaction is presented. The question on the role of CD40/CD40L interaction is highlighted in two aspects--the possibility of tumor growth inhibition and its stimulation.