This gene encodes a member of the cytokine family. The protein contains a tyrosine sulfation site, 3 potential N-myristoylation sites, multiple putative phosphorylation sites, and an RGD cell-attachment sequence. Expression of this protein is increased after the activation of T-cells by mitogens or the activation of NK cells by IL-2. This protein induces the production of TNFalpha from macrophage cells. Alternate transcriptional splice variants, encoding different isoforms, have been characterized. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008].
Function: Cytokine that may play a role in innate and adaptive immune responses. It induces various cytokines such as TNFA/TNF-alpha and IL8. It activates typical cytokine signal pathways of NF-kappa-B and p38 MAPK.