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Published on: November 2, 2014

Nelfinavir induces TRAIL receptor upregulation in ovarian cancer cells

Ansgar Brüning1, Marianne Vogel, Petra Burger

  • 1University Hospital Munich, Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, Maistrasse 11, 80337 Munich, Germany. ansgar.bruening@med.uni-muenchen.de

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|November 13, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Nelfinavir, an HIV protease inhibitor, effectively kills ovarian cancer cells via apoptosis and necrosis. It also sensitizes these cells to TRAIL therapy by upregulating DR5, offering a new anti-cancer strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Virology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • HIV protease inhibitors are explored as novel anti-cancer agents, particularly for chemo-resistant cancers.
  • Nelfinavir is a clinically used HIV protease inhibitor with potential anti-cancer properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of nelfinavir against ovarian cancer cells.
  • To investigate nelfinavir's effect on cancer cell death pathways and its potential to sensitize cells to TRAIL therapy.

Main Methods:

  • In vitro testing of nelfinavir on ovarian cancer cells, fibroblasts, and peripheral blood mononuclear leukocytes.
  • Analysis of apoptosis and necrosis induction.
  • Assessment of TRAIL receptor DR5 expression via RT-PCR and FACScan.

Main Results:

  • Nelfinavir demonstrated high efficacy against ovarian cancer cells, inducing apoptosis and necrosis.
  • Nelfinavir did not affect the viability of normal cells (fibroblasts, leukocytes) at effective concentrations.
  • Nelfinavir sensitized ovarian cancer cells to TRAIL receptor antibody treatment by upregulating DR5.

Conclusions:

  • Nelfinavir is a potent agent against ovarian cancer cells.
  • Nelfinavir can enhance the effectiveness of TRAIL-based therapies for ovarian cancer.

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