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Following a TRAIL: update on a ligand and its five receptors

Fiona C Kimberley1, Gavin R Screaton

  • 1Department of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, Du Cane Road, London, UK.

Cell Research
|November 13, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Tumour necrosis factor apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) shows promise for cancer therapy by selectively killing tumor cells. However, its therapeutic use is limited by toxicity, and its exact physiological role remains under investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Tumour necrosis factor apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the TNF superfamily, was identified for its tumoricidal activity against normal cells.
  • Despite extensive research over nearly a decade and the identification of five receptors, TRAIL's precise physiological functions are still debated.
  • The therapeutic application of TRAIL is constrained by potential dose-limiting toxicities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive review of TRAIL, exploring its biological functions and therapeutic potential.
  • To discuss the known TRAIL receptors and their roles.
  • To re-evaluate the anti-tumorigenic properties of TRAIL in light of its limitations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of TRAIL research.
  • Analysis of TRAIL receptor interactions and signaling pathways.
  • Discussion of preclinical and clinical findings related to TRAIL therapeutics.

Main Results:

  • TRAIL exhibits selective toxicity towards various tumor cell types.
  • Five distinct receptors for TRAIL have been identified, mediating diverse cellular responses.
  • Understanding TRAIL's complex signaling network is crucial for optimizing its therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • TRAIL remains an enigmatic ligand with significant, yet underexplored, therapeutic potential in oncology.
  • Further research into TRAIL's physiological roles and receptor interactions is necessary to overcome toxicity issues.
  • Targeting TRAIL pathways offers a promising avenue for novel cancer treatments, warranting continued investigation.

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