APRIL

APRIL (A Proliferation Inducing Ligand) is a member of the TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) superfamily that is involved in the regulation of tumor cell growth and immune system response. It is also known as TNFSF13, TALL-2, TRDL-1, and CD256.

Function

APRIL is a cytokine that is expressed in various tissues, including the intestine, heart, and spleen. It is involved in stimulating the proliferation of various cell types, including B cells and T cells. APRIL can bind to the receptors BCMA and TACI, which are expressed on the surface of B cells, leading to their activation and proliferation.

Clinical significance

APRIL has been implicated in several diseases, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases. In autoimmune diseases, overexpression of APRIL can lead to excessive activation of B cells, resulting in the production of autoantibodies that attack the body's own tissues. In cancer, APRIL can promote tumor growth by stimulating the proliferation of tumor cells. In infectious diseases, APRIL can enhance the immune response by activating B cells and T cells.

Research

Research is ongoing to understand the role of APRIL in health and disease, and to develop therapies that can modulate its activity. Several drugs that target APRIL or its receptors are currently in clinical trials for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer.

See also

• TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor)
• B cells
• T cells
• Autoimmune diseases
• Cancer
• Infectious diseases

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