TNFSF6 is a cytokine that binds to TNFRSF6/FAS, a receptor that transduces the apoptotic signal into cells. May be involved in cytotoxic T cell mediated apoptosis and in T cell development. TNFRSF6/FAS-mediated apoptosis may have a role in the induction of peripheral tolerance, in the antigen-stimulated suicide of mature T cells, or both. Binding to the decoy receptor TNFRSF6B/DcR3 modulates its effects.