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Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Assessment of Lymphocyte Migration in an Ex Vivo Transmigration System
Published on: September 20, 2019
Apo2L/TRAIL and immune regulation.
Alberto Anel1, Alberto Bosque, Javier Naval
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zaragoza, Spain. anel@posta.unizar.es
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (Apo2L/TRAIL) shows promise in cancer therapy due to tumor cell sensitivity. It also plays a key role in immune surveillance and preventing autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Apo2L/TRAIL, a TNF family member, induces apoptosis via DR4/DR5 receptors.
- Tumors are sensitive to Apo2L/TRAIL-induced apoptosis, unlike normal cells, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiological roles of Apo2L/TRAIL beyond cancer therapy.
- To explore its function in immune regulation and autoimmune disease prevention.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Apo2L/TRAIL.
- Analysis of its involvement in immune surveillance and T cell regulation.
Main Results:
- Apo2L/TRAIL is crucial for anti-tumor immune surveillance.
- It fine-tunes CD8+ T cell activation and memory formation.
- Apo2L/TRAIL acts as a mechanism to prevent autoimmune diseases.
Conclusions:
- Apo2L/TRAIL has significant roles in both anti-tumor immunity and immune system regulation.
- It holds potential as a therapeutic agent for chronic autoimmune diseases.
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