TRANCE is a TNF family member that regulates dendritic cell and osteoclastfunction

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE) is a new member of the TNF family emerging as a key regulator of the immune s ystem and of bone development and homeostasis. TRANCE is expressed on activ ated T cells and activates mature dendritic cells (DC), suggesting that it plays a role in the T cell-DC interaction during an immune response, Furthe rmore, TRANCE is expressed on osteoblasts stimulated with vitamin D-3, dexa methasone, and parathyroid hormone. TRANCE, when expressed on osteoblasts, induces osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activation, suggesting that it li nks known calciotropic hormones to bone resorption, TRANCE mediates its eff ects via the TRANCE-receptor (TRANCE-/RANK), whereas its activity can be in hibited by the soluble decoy receptor osteoprotegerin/osteoclast inhibitory factor (OPG/OCIF), OPG can be neutralized by another TNF-family member, th e TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), suggesting that TRANCE is part of a complex cytokine network that regulates a diverse set of function s. We will discuss the current Literature describing TRANCE and its recepto rs and its role in controlling DC and osteoclast function.