Homozygosity for the C allele of the -1T>C SNP of the CD40 gene (rs1883832) results in an enhanced CD40 surface abundance and pro-inflammatory phenotype of vascular endothelial cells, increasing the susceptibility to atherosclerosis and CHD in humans.This appears to be compensated by an enhanced shedding of sCD40 from the endothelial cell membrane to neutralize excess CD40 ligand. sCD40 might be a potential new biomarker for the pro-inflammatory processes occurring in atherosclerosis.
This meta-analysis provided evidence of association of rs1883832 C allele with an overall increased risk of atherosclerosis but distinct effect of C allele on CAD (including ACS) and IS in Chinese population, respectively.