Human Tumor Necrosis Factor Ligand Superfamily Member 4 / OX40L (TNFSF4) Protein

Background

TNFSF4, also known as OX40 ligand (OX40L) or CD252, is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. It plays a crucial role in the immune system by interacting with the OX40 receptor (CD134), primarily expressed on activated T cells. This interaction contributes to T-cell activation, proliferation, and survival, and it is particularly important for the adaptive immune response. OX40L is predominantly expressed on activated antigen-presenting cells, such as dendritic cells, B cells, and macrophages, and its role in enhancing T-cell function is integral to immune response against infections, cancer, and during inflammatory processes. OX40L has gained significant attention for its role in immune checkpoint pathways, which are mechanisms that regulate immune response strength and duration. Because of its function in enhancing T-cell activity, it has been studied as a target for immunotherapies in cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Additionally, dysregulation of the TNFSF4 gene, which encodes OX40L, has been implicated in several inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis.