OX40L is the ligand for OX40 (also known as CD134 or TNFRSF4) and is stably expressed on many antigen-presenting cells such as DC2s (a subtype of dendritic cells),[1] macrophages,[2] and activated B lymphocytes.
[7] Signaling through these two molecules also leads to polarization towards Th2 immune response even in an environment with low levels of IL-4 cytokine.
[10] The surface expression of OX40L is induced by many pro-inflammatory mediators, such as TNF-α, e.g. produced by mast cells,[11] IFN-γ[12] and PGE2 (prostaglandin E2).
[14] Various single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the OX40L gene have been identified.
For some of them association with systemic lupus erythematosus has been reported.