TRANCE is a TNF family member that regulates dendritic cell and osteoclast function

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 system and of bone development and homeostasis. TRANCE is expressed on activated T cells and activates mature dendritic cells (DC), suggesting that it plays a role in the T cell-DC interaction during an immune response, Furthermore, TRANCE is expressed on osteoblasts stimulated with vitamin D-3, dexamethasone, and parathyroid hormone. TRANCE, when expressed on osteoblasts, induces osteoclastogenesis and osteoclast activation, suggesting that it links known calciotropic hormones to bone resorption, TRANCE mediates its effects via the TRANCE-receptor (TRANCE-/RANK), whereas its activity can be inhibited by the soluble decoy receptor osteoprotegerin/osteoclast inhibitory factor (OPG/OCIF), OPG can be neutralized by another TNF-family member, the TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), suggesting that TRANCE is part of a complex cytokine network that regulates a diverse set of functions. We will discuss the current Literature describing TRANCE and its receptors and its role in controlling DC and osteoclast function.