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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

Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library
|November 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

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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