| Primary Identifier | IPR022318 | Type | Family |
| Short Name | TNFR_18 |
| description | The tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor (TNFR) superfamily comprises more than 20 type-I transmembrane proteins. Family members are defined based on similarity in their extracellular domain -a region that contains many cysteine residues arranged in a specific repetitive pattern []. The cysteines allow formation of an extended rod-like structure, responsible for ligand binding []. Upon receptor activation, different intracellular signalling complexes are assembled for different members of the TNFR superfamily, depending on their intracellular domains and sequences []. Activation of TNFRs can therefore induce a range of disparate effects, including cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, or apoptotic cell death, depending upon the receptor involved [, ]. TNFRs are widely distributed and play important roles in many crucial biological processes, such as lymphoid and neuronal development, innate and adaptive immunity, and maintenance of cellular homeostasis []. Drugs that manipulate their signalling have potential roles in the prevention and treatment of many diseases, such as viral infections, coronary heart disease, transplant rejection, and immune disease []. TNF receptor 18 is also known as glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family-related gene (GITR) and activation-inducible TNFR family member (AITR). Expression of the receptor by T-lymphocytes has been shown to have an anti-apoptotic effect, indicating that it may play a role in the regulation of T-cell receptor-mediated cell death []. |
