A proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), also known as tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 13 (TNFSF13), is a protein of the TNF superfamily recognized by the cell surface receptor TACI.[5][6] It is encoded by the TNFSF13 gene.[6]
In the cluster of differentiation terminology, APRIL is designated CD256.
The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the tumor necrosis factor ligand (TNF) ligand family. This protein is a ligand for TNFRSF17/BCMA, a member of the TNF receptor family. This protein and its receptor are both found to be important for B cell development. In vivo experiments suggest an important role for APRIL in the long-term survival of plasma cells in the bone marrow. Mice deficient in APRIL have normal immune system development.[7] However, APRIL-deficient mice have also been reported to possess a reduced ability to support plasma cell survival.[8] In vitro experiments suggested that this protein may be able to induce apoptosis through its interaction with other TNF receptor family proteins such as TNFRSF6/FAS and TNFRSF14/HVEM.[9] Three alternatively spliced transcript variants of this gene encoding distinct isoforms have been reported.
TNFSF13 has been shown to interact with TNFRSF13B[10] and B-cell activating factor.[11]
APRIL is being explored as a target for autoimmune diseases and B cell malignancies.[12] At least one anti-APRIL monoclonal antibody has been announced to enter phase I clinical trials for multiple myeloma.[13]
This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.
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