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Immunobiology of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily
Tong Zhou1, John D Mountz, Robert P Kimberly
1Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 35294, USA. tong.zhou@ccc.uab.edu
Abstract:
The proteins of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily are a group of cell-surface receptors critically involved in the maintenance of homeostasis of the immune system. By interacting with their corresponding ligands, these receptors either induce cell death or promote cell survival of immune cells. The number of recognized members of the TNF receptor and ligand superfamily has expanded substantially in the last several years. More important, the biologic function of this group of proteins has been closely associated with the regulation of the immune response and the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Thus, the direct targeting of these receptors by either inducing apoptosis or blocking survival of autoimmune T and B cells may be an important therapeutic strategy in the treatment of autoimmune disease. This review summarizes the recent progress in immunobiology of the TNF receptor superfamily and focuses on our studies of three critical family members-FasL/Fas, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)/TRAIL-Rs, and B lymphocyte stimulator(BLyS)/BLyS-Rs--to demonstrate the therapeutic potential of targeting these receptors for the treatment of autoimmune disease.
Insights
Targeting the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) receptor superfamily offers a promising therapeutic strategy for autoimmune diseases. Manipulating these immune cell receptors can induce cell death or block survival, aiding in treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) receptor superfamily comprises cell-surface receptors crucial for immune system homeostasis.
- These receptors regulate immune cell survival and death through ligand interactions.
- Their function is intrinsically linked to immune response regulation and autoimmune disease pathogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in the immunobiology of the TNF receptor superfamily.
- To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting specific TNF receptor superfamily members for autoimmune disease treatment.
- To focus on studies involving FasL/Fas, TRAIL/TRAIL-Rs, and BLyS/BLyS-Rs.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on TNF receptor superfamily.
- Analysis of experimental studies focusing on FasL/Fas, TRAIL/TRAIL-Rs, and BLyS/BLyS-Rs.
- Evaluation of therapeutic strategies targeting these receptors in autoimmune disease models.
Main Results:
- The TNF receptor superfamily plays a critical role in immune cell homeostasis and autoimmune disease.
- Targeting these receptors, specifically FasL/Fas, TRAIL/TRAIL-Rs, and BLyS/BLyS-Rs, shows therapeutic promise.
- Inducing apoptosis or blocking survival of autoimmune T and B cells is a viable treatment approach.
Conclusions:
- The TNF receptor superfamily represents a significant area for therapeutic intervention in autoimmune diseases.
- Targeting specific members like Fas, TRAIL-Rs, and BLyS-Rs offers a potential strategy to manage autoimmune conditions.
- Further research into these pathways could lead to novel treatments for autoimmune disorders.