FASLG is expressed on the surface of activated T cells and natural killer (NK) cells as a non-disulfide-linked homotrimer . The FASLG gene is located on human chromosome 1q24.3, spans 8 kb, and contains 4 exons . The protein is initially produced as a membrane-bound form but can be cleaved by metalloproteinases to release a soluble form .
The primary function of FASLG is to induce apoptosis in cells expressing the FAS receptor (CD95/Apo-1) . This interaction is vital for maintaining immune system homeostasis, including activation-induced cell death, T-cell-induced cytotoxicity, immune privilege, and tumor surveillance . Additionally, FASLG has been implicated in non-apoptotic pathways, such as cell proliferation and NF-κB activation .
Recombinant human FAS Ligand (rHuFASL) is produced in HEK293 cells, a human embryonic kidney cell line . The recombinant protein is typically fused to a 6-amino acid His-tag at the N-terminus and purified using proprietary chromatographic techniques . The resulting product is a sterile filtered clear solution with a purity greater than 95%, as determined by SEC-HPLC and SDS-PAGE .
Recombinant FASLG is used extensively in research to study apoptosis and immune regulation. It is also employed in ligand binding assays and other biochemical applications . The recombinant protein is available in both membrane-bound and soluble forms, with the latter being less effective in inducing apoptosis .