The present invention provides compositions and methods for the regulation
of cytokine signaling through the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) pathway.
Specifically, the invention provides a novel gene, polypeptide and
related compositions and methods for the regulation of ectodomain
shedding. In preferred embodiments, methods and compositions for the
regulation of TNF Type-1 Receptor ectodomain shedding are provided. The
present invention finds use in therapeutics, diagnostics, and drug
screening applications.