TNF-alpha is an important signaling protein in the immune system which can activate inflammatory responses, induce apoptosis, regulate cellular proliferation, and may even promote cancer progression. TNF-alpha can bind to two structurally distinct membrane receptors, TNF-RI and TNF-RII, which have both distinct and overlapping downstream signaling cascades. TNFRI is believed to be expressed on nearly all cell types, whereas TNFRII exhibits more restricted expression, being found on certain subpopulations of immune cells and several other cell types. A dominant role of TNF-RII has been shown in thymocyte activation by TNF-alpha, whereas induction of cytotoxicity and other functions are mediated largely by TNF-RI. TNF-RI is equally well activated by both the 17 kDa soluble and 26 kDa membrane-bound form, whereas TNF-RII is activated only by the membrane bound form of TNF-alpha.Synonyms: TNF-R2, TNFBR, TNFRSF1B, Tumor necrosis factor receptor 2, Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 1B, Tumor necrosis factor receptor type II, p80 TNF-alpha receptor