Members of TNF superfamily are characterized by their ability to inflict apoptosis upon binding to their cognate receptors in a homotrimeric manner. These proteins are expressed on different cell types under various conditions. However, the mechanisms governing the expression of these molecules remain elusive. We have found that the TCR signal can elicit the expression of receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL), TNF-alpha, CD95L, and TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) in T cell hybridoma A1.1 cells, thus allowing us to examine the expression pattern of these molecules under precisely the same conditions. We have previously reported that CD95L expression requires both protein kinase C (PKC) translocation and Ca2+ mobilization and is inhibited by cyclosporin A, and dexamethasone. We demonstrate now that activation-induced expression of RANKL is mediated by Ca2+ mobilization. PKC activation does not induce RANKL expression nor does it synergize with the Ca2+ signal. Activation-induced RANKL expression is blocked by cyclosporin A, but not by dexamethasone. The expression of TNF, in contrast, is mediated by PKC, but not by Ca2+. TNF-alpha expression is not inhibited by cyclosporin A, but is sensitive to dexamethasone. A1.1 cells constitutively express TRAIL at low levels. Stimulation with anti-CD3 leads to an initial reduction and subsequent increase in TRAIL expression. TRAIL induction is not inhibited by cyclosporin A, but highly sensitive to dexamethasone. Therefore, expression of the TNF superfamily genes is regulated by distinct signals. Detailed understanding of the regulatory mechanisms could provide crucial information concerning the role of these molecules in the modulation of the immune system.