4-1BB 4-1BB ligand is the high affinity ligand of 4-1BB, also known as CD137L or TNFSF9. It is shown to be a type II surface glycoprotein belonging to the TNF superfamily. Expression of 4-1BBL is restricted to APCs, such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and activated B cells. Members of the TNF-TNF receptor super family have been shown to play critical roles in regulating cellular activation, differentiation and apoptosis. Several studies have reported that 4-1BBL/4-1BB interaction provided a costimulatory signal to T cells, and increased T cell proliferation and cytokines production. In addition, 4-1BBL is involved in cancers, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases.