Cytokine that acts as a ligand to CD40/TNFRSF5. Costimulates T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. Its cross-linking on T-cells generates a costimulatory signal which enhances the production of IL4 and IL10 in conjunction with the TCR/CD3 ligation and CD28 costimulation. Induces the activation of NF-kappa-B. Induces the activation of kinases MAPK8 and PAK2 in T-cells. Mediates B-cell proliferation in the absence of co-stimulus as well as IgE production in the presence of IL4. Involved in immunoglobulin class switching 