Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 9, 2026
08:49
Identification of Mediators of T-cell Receptor Signaling via the Screening of Chemical Inhibitor Libraries
Published on: January 22, 2019
TRAIL receptor signaling and therapeutics
Junaid Abdulghani1, Wafik S El-Deiry
1Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute, Penn State College of Medicine, Department of Medicine (Hematology/Oncology), Laboratory of Translational Oncology and Experimental Cancer Therapeutics, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets
|September 8, 2010
Summary
TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) therapies show promise for targeted cancer treatment by inducing apoptosis. Combination strategies can overcome TRAIL resistance, enhancing therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in tumor cells via TRAIL-R1/R2, with low normal cell toxicity.
- Development focuses on receptor-specific TRAIL variants and agonistic antibodies to activate death-receptor pathways, avoiding decoy receptor interference.
- TRAIL-based therapies are advancing in clinical trials for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in TRAIL-based cancer therapies, including receptor-specific variants and agonistic antibodies.
- To discuss combination therapies aimed at overcoming TRAIL resistance in cancer cells.
- To provide insights into current clinical trials and future prospects of TRAIL signaling pathway-targeting therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent advancements in TRAIL and agonistic antibody development for cancer therapy.
- Discussion of combination strategies to enhance TRAIL efficacy and overcome resistance.
- Analysis of data from ongoing clinical trials involving TRAIL-targeting agents.
Main Results:
- Several TRAIL variants and agonistic antibodies targeting TRAIL-R1/R2 are in clinical trials.
- Combination therapies involving TRAIL or antibodies with chemotherapy, targeted agents, or irradiation can sensitize resistant tumors.
- Understanding of TRAIL signaling pathways is crucial for overcoming therapeutic obstacles.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the TRAIL/TRAIL receptor pathway offers a promising strategy for molecularly targeted, pro-apoptotic cancer therapy.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to fully realize the potential of TRAIL-based treatments.
- Combination approaches are key to overcoming resistance and improving outcomes in TRAIL-targeted cancer therapy.
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