| abstract |
The present invention concerns the discovery of a new member of the TNF receptor superfamily, referred to herein as the candidate "tvb receptor". Experimental evidence suggests that the instant gene corresponds to the gene of the tvbs3 locus responsible for mediating certain viral infection. The tvb receptor plays a functional role as the receptor for certain of the avian leukosis/sarcoma viruses (ALSV) in avians, and a likely role as a receptor for tumor viruses in other animals, e.g., the feline leukemia virus and the like. Moreover, inspection of the tvb sequence, particularly in comparison with other TNF receptors, reveals the presence of a "death domain" in the cytoplasmic tail of the tvb receptor, suggesting a role for the tvb receptor in determining tissue fate and maintenance. For instance, the tvb genes and gene products may participate, under various circumstances, in the control of proliferation, differentiation and/or cell death. |