Description
RANK ligand (RANKL), also called TRANCE, OPGL and ODF, is a member of the TNF family that is expressed in activated T cells, lympHnodes and in stromal cell lines. RANKL (TRANCE) interacts with its receptor RANK expressed on mature dendritic cells (DC) and mature osteoclasts, leading to the inhibition of apoptosis, probably through the upregulation of bcl-x. RANKL is, therefore, a useful tool for enhancing DC and osteoclast survival and activity. Osteoprotegerin (OPG is a potent inhibitor of RANKL.
Historical data has shown that the biological activity of RANKL supports the survival of dendritic cells and osteoclasts