EXPRESSION AND FUNCTION OF CD30 ON T LYMPHOCYTES

A bstract. T cell receptor, accessory molecules, cytokines are important regulatory factors that determine the d evelopment and function of T lymphocytes. Among them are also molecules belonging to superfamily of tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) which beside CD30 include CD27, CD40, TNFR-I and -II, Fas (CD95) , OX40, 4-1BB (CDw137), nerve growth factor receptor, lymphotoxin-β receptor, Apo3/DR3/Ws1-1/lymphocyte associated receptor of death, DR4, DR5/TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand, osteoprotegerin, and TNFR-related 2. CD30 recognized originally on Reed-Sternberg cells of Hodgkin’ s lymphoma became of interest in studies of T h1 and Th2 cell differentiation. This paper shows recent findings regarding CD30 expression and its pleiotropic role in T cell function. It provides information about controversial role of CD30 as Th2 cell differentiation marker and gives concise insight into the function of this receptor as a signal transducing molecul e.