Recombinant Human FasL

Fas ligand (FasL), also known as TNFSF6, is a type II transmembrane protein that belongs to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family and is involved in membrane mediated apoptosis. The specific receptor for FasL is Fas (CD95, Apo-1). FasL is primarily expressed on activated T cells and NK cells, while Fas is expressed on various types of cells. Ligation of Fas by FasL triggers activation of the caspase cascade. Functional impairment of the Fas/FasL system is associated with the development and progression of malignancies. Tumor cells frequently exhibit de novo expression of FasL, which plays a significant role in local tissue destruction, metastatic spread and immune escape of the tumor cells.¹ The apoptosis of lymphocytes, which occurs in autoimmune diseases, is usually induced by the Fas/FasLsystem, therefore, FasL is regarded as a potential target for immunotherapy.² One study has suggested a correlation between high levels of FasL expression in the cornea and successful corneal transplantation.³