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Emerging non-apoptotic functions of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)/Apo2L

Roberta Di Pietro1, Giorgio Zauli

  • 1Dipartimento di Biomorfologia, Università G. d'Annunzio, Via dei Vestini, Chieti Scalo, Italy. r.dipietro@unich.it

Journal of Cellular Physiology
|September 25, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine involved in tumor necrosis. This review highlights TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and its promising anticancer activity with minimal toxicity to normal tissues.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily comprises 20 ligands and 21 receptors.
  • TNF superfamily ligands activate transcription factors NF-kappa B and c-Jun kinase.
  • These ligands have diverse roles in apoptosis, cell survival, immunity, and hematopoiesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biological effects of TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL).
  • To highlight TRAIL's potential as an anticancer agent.
  • To discuss TRAIL's selective toxicity profile.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on TNF superfamily and TRAIL.
  • Analysis of TRAIL's mechanism of action.
  • Evaluation of TRAIL's efficacy and toxicity in preclinical and clinical studies.

Main Results:

  • TRAIL induces apoptosis in various cancer cells.
  • TRAIL exhibits limited toxicity in most normal tissues.
  • TRAIL's anticancer potential is significant.

Conclusions:

  • TRAIL is a promising candidate for cancer therapy.
  • TRAIL's selective action warrants further investigation.
  • TRAIL represents a novel therapeutic strategy in oncology.

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