The activity of activated T cells is further modulated by CD154 and sCD154 in a cis fashion by binding with α5β1 integrin on the surface of T cells and inhibiting apoptosis (80) Indeed, T lymphocytes in autoimmune diseases express higher levels of sCD154 and express aberrant amounts α5β1 integrin on the cell surface which increases T cell populations via inhibition of apoptotic signaling (81, 82). This evidence concerns the gene CD40LG and autoimmune disease.