Promotes apoptosis, possibly via a pathway that involves the activation of NF-kappa-B. Can also promote apoptosis mediated by BAX and by the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytoplasm. Plays a role in neuronal apoptosis, including apoptosis in response to amyloid peptides derived from APP, and is required for both normal cell body death and axonal pruning. Trophic-factor deprivation triggers the cleavage of surface APP by beta-secretase to release sAPP-beta which is further cleaved to release an N-terminal fragment of APP (N-APP). N-APP binds TNFRSF21; this triggers caspase activation and degeneration of both neuronal cell bodies (via caspase-3) and axons (via caspase-6). Negatively regulates oligodendrocyte survival, maturation and myelination. Plays a role in signaling cascades triggered by stimulation of T-cell receptors, in the adaptive immune response and in the regulation of T-cell differentiation and proliferation. Negatively regulates T-cell responses and the release of cytokines such as IL4, IL5, IL10, IL13 and IFNG by Th2 cells. Negatively regulates the production of IgG, IgM and IgM in response to antigens. May inhibit the activation of JNK in response to T-cell stimulation. Interacts with N-APP (By similarity). Associates with TRADD. Interacts with NGFR. (Microbial infection) Interacts with hepatitis C virus (HCV) non-structural protein 5A; this interaction allows the modulation by the virus of JNK, p38 MAPK, STAT3, and Akt signaling pathways in a DR6-dependent manner. Detected in fetal spinal cord and in brain neurons, with higher levels in brain from Alzheimer disease patients (at protein level). Highly expressed in heart, brain, placenta, pancreas, lymph node, thymus and prostate. Detected at lower levels in lung, skeletal muscle, kidney, testis, uterus, small intestine, colon, spleen, bone marrow and fetal liver. Very low levels were found in adult liver and peripheral blood leukocytes. Up-regulated by TNF. It is uncertain whether Met-1 or Met-25 is the initiator. Truncated N-terminus.