Functions of newly identified members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor/ligand superfamilies in lymphocytes

Rapid progress in the discovery of members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor/ligand superfamilies has been made, mainly with the help of massive DNA sequencing and bioinformatic studies. Biological studies of the new members have not only indicated overlapping roles with other members but also provided insights into novel functions. In particular, multiple pairings of receptors and ligands highlight a complex control mechanism of immune responses by these superfamilies .