[5][6] Like its counterpart, tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR1), the extracellular region of TNFR2 consists of four cysteine-rich domains which allow for binding to TNFα.

[7] The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, which also contains TNFRSF1A.

Knockout studies in mice also suggest a role of this protein in protecting neurons from apoptosis by stimulating antioxidative pathways.

[10] Patients with schizophrenia have increased levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (sTNFR2).

[12] A small scale study of 289 Japanese patients suggested a minor increased predisposition from an amino acid substitution of the 196 allele at exon 6.