Acts as a decoy receptor for TNFSF11/RANKL and thereby neutralizes its function in osteoclastogenesis. Inhibits the activation of osteoclasts and promotes osteoclast apoptosis in vitro. Bone homeostasis seems to depend on the local ratio between TNFSF11 and TNFRSF11B. May also play a role in preventing arterial calcification. May act as decoy receptor for TNFSF10/TRAIL and protect against apoptosis. TNFSF10/TRAIL binding blocks the inhibition of osteoclastogenesis.
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Highly expressed in adult lung, heart, kidney, liver, spleen, thymus, prostate, ovary, small intestine, thyroid, lymph node, trachea, adrenal gland, testis, and bone marrow. Detected at very low levels in brain, placenta and skeletal muscle. Highly expressed in fetal kidney, liver and lung.