FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand
Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3LG) is a protein which in humans is encoded by the FLT3LG gene.[5][6][7]
Flt3 ligand (FL) is a hematopoietic four helical bundle cytokine. It is structurally homologous to stem cell factor (SCF) and colony stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1). In synergy with other growth factors, Flt3 ligand stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of various blood cell progenitors. For example, it is a major growth factor stimulating the growth of dendritic cells.[8]
FLT3L functions as a cytokine and growth factor that increases the number of immune cells (lymphocytes (B cells and T cells)) by activating the hematopoietic progenitors. It acts by binding to and activating FLT3 (CD135) which is found on what (in mice) are called multipotent progenitor (MPP) and common lymphoid progenitor (CLP) cells. It also induces the mobilization of the hematopoietic progenitors and stem cells in vivo which may help the system to kill cancer cells.[9]
FLT3L is crucial for steady-state plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) and classical dendritic cell (cDC) development.[9][10] A lack of FLT3L results in low levels of dendritic cells.