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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
Summary
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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