該基因編碼一種多功能促炎細胞因子，屬于腫瘤壞死因子（TNF）超家族。這種細胞因子主要由巨噬細胞分泌。它能與受體TNFRSF1A/TNFR1和TNFRSF1B/TNFBR結合并通過其發揮作用。這種細胞因子參與調節廣泛的生物學過程，包括細胞增殖、分化、凋亡、脂質代謝和凝血。這種細胞因子與多種疾病有關，包括自身免疫性疾病、胰島素抵抗和癌癥。小鼠的基因敲除研究也表明了這種細胞因子的神經保護作用。[由RefSeq提供，2008年7月]
This gene encodes a multifunctional proinflammatory cytokine that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. This cytokine is mainly secreted by macrophages. It can bind to, and thus functions through its receptors TNFRSF1A/TNFR1 and TNFRSF1B/TNFBR. This cytokine is involved in the regulation of a wide spectrum of biological processes including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and coagulation. This cytokine has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, insulin resistance, and cancer. Knockout studies in mice also suggested the neuroprotective function of this cytokine. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]