TNF ligands and receptors in autoimmunity: an update

Over two decades of research have increased the interest in factors from the tumor necrosis factor family. The vast majority of these factors are powerful modulators of critical immune functions and participate in pathogenic mechanisms leading to autoimmune disease. This field constantly evolves with the addition of new family members and the discovery of their function. During the past few years several additional factors from this family, such as BAFF, RANKL, TRAIL and GITRL, have emerged with novel functions that regulate both T and B cell immune tolerance and participate in tissue destruction in autoimmunity. These new findings revealed exciting innovative strategies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.