OX40 Ligand, Soluble (OX40 ligand) Human Active Protein

The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family. This cytokine is a ligand for receptor TNFRSF4/OX4. It is found to be involved in T cell antigen-presenting cell (APC) interactions. In surface Ig- and CD40-stimulated B cells, this cytokine along with CD70 has been shown to provide CD28-independent costimulatory signals to T cells. This protein and its receptor are reported to directly mediate adhesion of activated T cells to vascular endothelial cells. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Function: Cytokine that binds to TNFRSF4. Co-stimulates T-cell proliferation and cytokine production.

Subunit structure: Homotrimer. Ref.8

Subcellular location: Membrane; Single-pass type II membrane protein.

Induction: By HTLV-1 transactivator p40-Tax.

Involvement in disease: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [MIM:152700]: A chronic, relapsing, inflammatory, and often febrile multisystemic disorder of connective tissue, characterized principally by involvement of the skin, joints, kidneys and serosal membranes. It is of unknown etiology, but is thought to represent a failure of the regulatory mechanisms of the autoimmune system. The disease is marked by a wide range of system dysfunctions, an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and the formation of LE cells in the blood or bone marrow.Note: Disease susceptibility is associated with variations affecting the gene represented in this entry. The upstream region of TNFSF4 contains a single risk haplotype for SLE, which is correlated with increased expression of both cell-surface TNFSF4 and TNFSF4 transcripts. Increased levels of TNFSF4 are thought to augment T-cell-APC interaction and the functional consequences of T-cell activation, thereby destabilizing peripheral tolerance. Ref.7

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the tumor necrosis factor family.

Sequence caution: The sequence CAA18438.2 differs from that shown. Reason: Erroneous gene model prediction.