OPG/FDCR-1, a TNF receptor family member, is expressed in lymphoid cells and is up-regulated by ligating CD40.

We have cloned a TNFR family member from a follicular dendritic cell (FDC)-like cell line, FDC-1. This molecule, FDC-derived receptor-1 (FDCR-1), is identical to osteoprotegerin (OPG), a soluble cytokine that regulates osteoclast differentiation. Recently, OPG/FDCR-1 has been characterized as a second receptor for receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL)/TNF-related activation-induced cytokine (TRANCE), a primarily T-cell restricted TNF family member that augments dendritic cell (DC) function. In this report, we demonstrate that OPG/FDCR-1 is membrane bound on the surface of transfected baby hamster kidney (BHK) and untransfected FDC-1 cells. We also found a restricted OPG/FDCR-1 expression pattern in lymphoid cells, specifically in B cells, DCs and FDC-enriched fractions, which in B cells and DCs is up-regulated by CD40 stimulation. Because OPG/FDCR-1 shares some properties with RANK, the first RANKL/TRANCE receptor, we discuss how the balance between RANK and OPG/FDCR-1 expression could influence immune responses and, ultimately, germinal center formation.