Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Characterization of Thymus-dependent and Thymus-independent Immunoglobulin Isotype Responses in Mice Using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay
Published on: September 7, 2018
Multiple roles of TRAF3 signaling in lymphocyte function
1Department of Microbiology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. gail-bishop@uiowa.edu
Tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily signaling relies on TNF-R associated factors (TRAF). Novel models show TRAF3 mediates activating and inhibitory signals in immune responses and TNFR regulation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Signaling
Background:
- Members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily utilize cytoplasmic adapter proteins, known as TNF-R associated factors (TRAF), to initiate and regulate signaling pathways.
- TRAF3 is a key adapter protein associated with numerous TNFR superfamily members, but its precise role in immune responses has remained largely undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the functional significance of TRAF3 in immune signaling pathways.
- To investigate TRAF3's role in the regulation of the TNFR superfamily.
- To explore TRAF3's involvement in innate immune receptor signaling and its implications in disease.
Main Methods:
- Utilized novel experimental models to investigate TRAF3 function.
- Analyzed TRAF3-mediated signaling in the context of TNFR superfamily members.
- Examined TRAF3's role in innate immune receptor signaling.
Main Results:
- TRAF3 was found to mediate both activating and inhibitory signals.
- TRAF3 participates in the regulation of multiple TNFR superfamily members.
- TRAF3 is crucial for signaling via innate immune receptors.
Conclusions:
- TRAF3 plays a dual role in immune signaling, acting as both an activator and inhibitor.
- TRAF3 is a key regulator of the TNFR superfamily and innate immune responses.
- Dysregulation of TRAF3 signaling may contribute to malignancies and autoimmunity due to its mimicry of normal receptors.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Signal Transduction: Overview
Typically, signal transduction involves three...
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
Lymphoid Cells and Tissues
Lymphoid cells consist of various types of immune system cells. These include B and T lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies and killing infected cells, respectively. Dendritic cells act as messengers between the innate and adaptive...

