ADAM17/TACE

ADAM17, widely known as TACE (TNF-alpha converting enzyme), is the prototype inducible sheddase and arguably the most intensively studied family member. It releases tumor necrosis factor-alpha and its receptors, the EGFR ligands TGF-alpha, amphiregulin and HB-EGF, plus IL-6 receptor and L-selectin. Germline loss in mice phenocopies EGFR deficiency, confirming ADAM17 as the main source of EGFR ligands during development. Its trafficking and activation are controlled by the regulatory pseudoproteases iRhom1 and iRhom2, and potent selective inhibitors continue to be pursued for inflammatory and autoimmune indications. Its rapid mobilization after inflammatory stimuli makes ADAM17 the major source of circulating TNF-alpha in acute responses, complementing its constitutive developmental functions.