Description
TNFRII, also known as TNFRSF1B, is a member to the TNFR (tumor necrosis factor receptor) superfamily characterized by cysteine-rich extracellular domains. TNFRII is expressed in fetal brain. The protein is produced naturally as a soluble form (sTNFRII). The soluble receptor inhibits TNFα action by competing with cell surface receptors in binding TNFα, thereby blocking its biologic effects. TNFRII is strongly expressed at the cartilage–pannus junction, and plays a major role in a subset of families with multiple cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Further, high plasma levels of sTNFRII were significantly associated with increased incidence of coronary heart disease, independent of established cardiovascular risk factors, and seems to be useful for monitoring the inflammatory activity of sarcoidosis