The protein encoded by this gene is a cytokine that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) ligand family. This cytokine is a ligand for receptors TNFRSF13B/TACI, TNFRSF17/BCMA, and TNFRSF13C/BAFFR. This cytokine is expressed in B cell lineage cells, and acts as a potent B cell activator. It has been also shown to play an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of B cells. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been identified. [provided by RefSeq, Mar 2011],function:Cytokine that binds to TNFRSF13B/TACI and TNFRSF17/BCMA. TNFSF13/APRIL binds to the same 2 receptors. Together, they form a 2 ligands -2 receptors pathway involved in the stimulation of B-and T-cell function and the regulation of humoral immunity. A third B-cell specific BAFF-receptor (BAFFR/BR3) promotes the survival of mature B-cells and the B-cell response.,induction:Up-regulated by exposure to interferon-gamma. Down-regulated by phorbol myristate acetate/ionomycin treatment.,online information:Proteic grace - Issue 77 of December 2006,PTM:N-glycosylated.,PTM:The soluble form derives from the membrane form by proteolytic processing.,similarity:Belongs to the tumor necrosis factor family.,subunit:Homotrimer.,tissue specificity:Abundantly expressed in peripheral blood Leukocytes and is specifically expressed in monocytes and macrophages. Also found in the spleen, lymph node, bone marrow, T-cells and dendritic cells. A lower expression seen in placenta, heart, lung, fetal liver, thymus, and pancreas.,
