Towards this aim, here we describe a human TNFR2-selective TNF ligand with memTNF-mimetic activity (TNC-scTNFR2) that rescues differentiated neurons from cell death post insultem, i.e. under conditions that reflect the time span of a potential therapeutic intervention, for example to limit ischemic lesions after stroke. The gene discussed is TNFRSF1B; the disease is stroke disorder.