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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Using X-ray Crystallography, Biophysics, and Functional Assays to Determine the Mechanisms Governing T-cell Receptor Recognition of Cancer Antigens
09:53

Using X-ray Crystallography, Biophysics, and Functional Assays to Determine the Mechanisms Governing T-cell Receptor Recognition of Cancer Antigens

Published on: February 6, 2017

TRAIL and its receptors as targets for cancer therapy

Hideo Yagita1, Kazuyoshi Takeda, Yoshihiro Hayakawa

  • 1Department of Immunology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan. hyagita@med.juntendo.ac.jp

Cancer Science
|October 27, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces tumor cell death via death receptors DR4/DR5. TRAIL shows promise as a cancer therapy target, with roles in immunosurveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a cytokine that triggers apoptosis in tumor cells.
  • TRAIL engages death receptors DR4 and DR5, selectively targeting cancer cells while sparing normal tissues.
  • Endogenous TRAIL plays a crucial role in the immune surveillance of nascent and metastatic tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on TRAIL and its receptors.
  • To highlight TRAIL and its receptors as potential targets for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies.
  • Analysis of TRAIL's mechanism of action in apoptosis induction.
  • Evaluation of TRAIL's role in tumor immunosurveillance.

Main Results:

  • TRAIL induces apoptosis in various cancer cells through DR4 and DR5.
  • Recombinant TRAIL and anti-DR4/DR5 antibodies demonstrate therapeutic potential.
  • Endogenous TRAIL is vital for immunosurveillance against developing and metastatic tumors.

Conclusions:

  • TRAIL and its receptors are promising therapeutic targets for cancer.
  • Targeting the TRAIL pathway offers a strategy for cancer therapy and enhancing immune response.

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