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TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in rheumatoid arthritis: what's new?

Anna Neve1, Addolorata Corrado, Francesco Paolo Cantatore

  • 1Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Rheumatology Clinic, University of Foggia, Ospedale "Col. D'Avanzo", V.le degli Aviatori 1, 71100, Foggia, Italy.

Clinical and Experimental Medicine
|January 1, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) shows promise in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by inducing cell death in harmful immune cells. Targeting TRAIL may offer new therapies for autoimmune diseases like RA.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a protein that induces programmed cell death.
  • TRAIL is being investigated for its role in immune and autoimmune responses.
  • TRAIL may down-regulate self-antigens in autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the functions of TRAIL in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
  • To summarize recent advancements in understanding TRAIL's role in RA.
  • To explore TRAIL-targeted therapies for RA.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current scientific literature on TRAIL and RA.
  • Analysis of TRAIL's apoptotic effects on T cells and synoviocytes.
  • Examination of TRAIL molecular variants and antibodies in arthritis models.

Main Results:

  • TRAIL induces apoptosis in activated T cells and synoviocytes, contributing to RA pathogenesis.
  • TRAIL exhibits local anti-inflammatory effects relevant to RA.
  • Animal models demonstrate the potential of TRAIL modulation in arthritis.

Conclusions:

  • TRAIL plays a significant role in the immune and inflammatory processes of RA.
  • Targeting TRAIL presents a potential therapeutic strategy for RA.
  • Further investigation into TRAIL-based therapies for RA is warranted.

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