The present invention relates to Death Receptor-6 (DR6) proteins which are members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family, and have now been shown to be important for regulating apoptosis in cells of the nervous system. In addition, it has been discovered that p75 is a ligand for DR6. As a result, this invention relates to methods for inhibiting the interaction of DR6 and p75 using DR6 and/or p75 antagonists. In addition, the methods described herein include methods of promoting survival of cells of the nervous system using DR6 antagonists, optionally in combination with p75 antagonists, and methods of treating neurodegenerative conditions by the administration of a DR6 antagonists, optionally in combination with a p75 antagonist.
