Apoptotic adaptor molecule that recruits caspase-8 or caspase-10 to the activated Fas (CD95) or TNFR-1 receptors (  , ). The resulting aggregate called the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) performs caspase-8 proteolytic activation ( , ). Active caspase-8 initiates the subsequent cascade of caspases mediating apoptosis . Involved in interferon-mediated antiviral immune response, playing a role in the positive regulation of interferon signaling .
Expressed in a wide variety of tissues, except for peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes.