Definition:

Tumor necrosis factor superfamily is a superfamily of type II transmembrane proteins, mainly expressed by immune cells, containing TNF homologous domains and forming trimers. TNF is released from the cell membrane by extracellular proteolytic lysis and functions as a cytokine. The TNF superfamily regulates a variety of cellular functions, including immune response and inflammation, as well as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and embryogenesis.