Tumor necrosis factor superfamily members: nomenclature update and models

In the late 1990s, the mouse and human nomenclature committees and basic researchers met and combined efforts to standardize the nomenclature of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. New nomenclature was adopted to reflect the genetic and functional relationships among numerous ligands and receptors. The Jackson Laboratory distributes a number of mice with targeted mutations ("knockout") for these TNF superfamily members.

Table 1 outlines the relevant nomenclature changes to assist you in strain selection and identification. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a member of the TNF ligand superfamily that also includes lymphotoxins alpha (LTA) and beta (LTB), tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily, member 5 (TNFSF5) and the FAS ligand (FASL). One of the most important functions of TNF is its selective cytotoxic effect on tumor cells. In addition to inducing cell necrosis in tumor cells, TNF induces apoptosis in non-cancerous cells (e.g., hepatocytes and T cells).

The TNF receptor superfamily is a group of type 1-membrane proteins containing characteristic cysteine-rich repeats in the extracellular domain. Family members include TNFRSF1, TNFRSF2, TNFRSF5, FAS antigen, NGFR, and others. These molecules are involved in the regulation of cell growth, survival or death. The multiple biological activities of TNF are mediated by TNFRSF1 (55 Kd) and TNFRSF2 (75 Kd). TNFRSF1 plays a decisive role in the host’s defense against microorganisms and their pathogenic factors and may also play a role in atherosclerosis. TNFSF5 binds its receptor, TNFRSF5, on B lymphocytes and regulates cell growth and development.