The tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily represents a growing family of type I transmembrane glycoproteins that are involved in various cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation and programmed cell death. These proteins share homology for cysteine-rich repeats in the extracellular ligand binding domain and an intracellular death domain. Members of the TNFR superfamily transmit signals throµgh protein-protein interactions, and these signals can lead to the activation of either the caspase and Jun kinase pathways, which promote cell death, or the NFB signaling pathway.
