RANKL monoclonal antibody (12A380)

RANKL (TRANCE, OPGL, ODF) is a member of the TNF family. RANKL (receptor activator of NF-κB ligand) or TRANCE (TNF-related activation-induced cytokine receptor) has been implicated in interactions between T cells and dendritic cells. RANKL binds to RANK on dendritic cells, upregulates the expression of anti-apoptotic protein BcL-X_L suggesting a role in dendritic cell survival. RANKL is also important in T- and B-cell maturation. As OPGL (osteoprotegerin ligand) or ODF (osteoclast differentiation factor), the same protein can both activate mature osteoclasts and mediate osteoclastogenesis. RANKL deficient mice show severe osteoporesis and complete abscence of osteoclasts as a result of lack of osteogenesis.