CD40LG and chronic kidney disease: In CKD patients our group could show that coronary artery plaques are not only more advanced than in nonrenal control patients but also exhibit a more inflammatory phenotype with increased local expression of proinflammatory systems such as the CD40-CD154 ligand system and also macrophages (Figures 1(e) and 1(f)) which has been associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic events [46].