Lymphotoxin alpha,a member of the tumor necrosis factor family,is a cytokine produced by lymphocytes. LTA is highly inducible,secreted,and exists as homotrimeric molecule. LTA forms heterotrimers with lymphotoxin-beta which anchors lymphotoxin-alpha to the cell surface. LTA mediates a large variety of inflammatory,immunostimulatory,and antiviral responses. LTA is also involved in the formation of secondary lymphoid organs during development and plays a role in apoptosis.