TNFSF8. also known as CD30 ligand (CD30L), is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily (TNFSF) that plays a critical role in immune regulation. It is primarily expressed by activated T cells, B cells, and natural killer (NK) cells. TNFSF8 interacts with its receptor CD30. a costimulatory molecule predominantly found on activated lymphocytes and certain malignant cells, such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma cells. This ligand-receptor interaction activates signaling pathways, including NF-κB and MAPK, which regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and cytokine production. Dysregulation of the TNFSF8-CD30 axis has been implicated in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory disorders, and lymphoid malignancies.
Antibodies targeting TNFSF8 are valuable tools for research and therapeutic development. In research, they are used to block TNFSF8-CD30 interactions, study immune cell communication, or detect TNFSF8 expression in pathological tissues. Therapeutically, anti-TNFSF8 antibodies have been explored to modulate immune responses in conditions like graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or to suppress CD30-mediated oncogenic signaling in lymphomas. However, clinical applications remain limited compared to anti-CD30 antibodies (e.g., Brentuximab vedotin), which are FDA-approved for Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Ongoing studies aim to refine TNFSF8 antibody specificity and efficacy, particularly in combinatorial immunotherapies. Understanding TNFSF8’s dual roles in immunity and disease underscores its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target.