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TRAIL: not just for tumors anymore?

Chris A Benedict1, Carl F Ware

  • 1the Division of Immune Regulation, La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037.

The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) plays dual roles in immunity. Neutrophil-expressed TRAIL aids bacterial defense, while TRAIL in arterioles worsens vascular disease, showing context is key.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is primarily studied for cancer therapy.
  • TRAIL's expression during inflammation and its dual signaling (apoptotic/prosurvival) suggest broader immune functions.
  • The role of TRAIL in host defense and disease pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the context-dependent roles of TRAIL in immune responses.
  • To elucidate TRAIL's function in bacterial defense and vascular disease.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of TRAIL expression in neutrophils during bacterial infection.
  • Examination of TRAIL's role in the development of vascular disease.

Main Results:

  • TRAIL expressed by lung neutrophils enhances host defense against bacterial pathogens.
  • TRAIL expressed by cells within arterioles exacerbates vascular disease progression.
  • These findings demonstrate opposing roles for TRAIL based on its cellular source and tissue context.

Conclusions:

  • TRAIL signaling is context-specific, determining beneficial or detrimental outcomes for the host.
  • TRAIL's dual functionality in immunity highlights its complex role in health and disease.
  • Targeting TRAIL requires careful consideration of its specific role in different physiological and pathological settings.

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