Fas ligand (FASLG) (FASLG)

Fas ligand (FASLG), also known as CD178, is a type II transmembrane protein belonging to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily (UniProt: P48023). It is primarily expressed on the surface of activated T cells and natural killer cells, where it functions as a potent inducer of apoptosis by binding to its cognate receptor, Fas (CD95) (PubMed: 7530323). This interaction is vital for maintaining immune system homeostasis, including the deletion of self-reactive lymphocytes and the termination of immune responses. In pathological contexts, the Fas/FasL pathway is often subverted; for example, many tumors overexpress FasL to induce apoptosis in attacking immune cells, while excessive FasL activity in the bone marrow of myelodysplastic syndrome patients leads to ineffective hematopoiesis (PubMed: 25635377). Therapeutic interventions like asunercept (APG101) are designed to sequester FasL, thereby preventing inappropriate cell death in conditions such as glioblastoma and myelodysplastic syndromes. Conversely, the pathway's role in immune privilege and systemic inflammation makes it a complex target with significant safety considerations, particularly regarding potential hepatotoxicity.

Other names

CD178CD95LTNFSF6APT1LG1FasLTumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 6

Binding and neutralization of soluble and membrane-bound Fas ligand to prevent interaction with the Fas receptor, thereby inhibiting apoptosis in target tissues (PubMed: 25635377).