Abstract
Receptor-activator of NF-kappaB ligand and its receptor RANK take part in bone remodeling, lymph node formation, development of mammary gland during pregnancy, breast cancer and bone metastasis, and may play a role in body temperature regulation. Clinical trials with denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody directed against RANKL, showed that a single subcutaneous dose of denosumab leads to a rapid and sustained reduction of osteoclastic bone resorption in postmenopausal osteoporosis associated with reduction of risk of vertebral and nonvertebral fractures.