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The TRAIL apoptotic pathway in cancer onset, progression and therapy

Ricky W Johnstone1, Ailsa J Frew, Mark J Smyth

  • 1Cancer Immunology Program, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria 3002, Australia. ricky.johnstone@petermac.org

Nature Reviews. Cancer
|September 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Triggering tumor cell apoptosis via TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathways is key in cancer therapy. This review covers TRAIL-mediated apoptosis, its role in cancer, and therapeutic strategies targeting TRAIL receptors.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Cancer research
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Apoptosis induction is fundamental to cancer treatment.
  • Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily death receptors and their signaling pathways are well-understood.
  • TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptors (TRAILR1 and TRAILR2) present promising cancer therapeutic targets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the molecular mechanisms governing TRAIL-mediated apoptosis.
  • To examine the involvement of TRAIL in the development of cancer (carcinogenesis).
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of recombinant TRAIL and agonistic antibodies targeting TRAILR1 and TRAILR2.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular control of apoptosis.
  • Analysis of TRAIL's role in carcinogenesis.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic strategies involving TRAIL and its receptors.

Main Results:

  • Detailed understanding of TRAIL-mediated apoptosis signaling pathways.
  • Insights into TRAIL's contribution to cancer development.
  • Identification of recombinant TRAIL and anti-TRAILR antibodies as potential cancer therapeutics.

Conclusions:

  • TRAIL-mediated apoptosis is a critical pathway for cancer therapy.
  • Targeting TRAIL receptors holds significant therapeutic promise for various cancers.
  • Further research into TRAIL-based therapies could lead to novel cancer treatments.

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