Nano-TRAIL: a promising path to cancer therapy

Siri Chandana Gampa1, Sireesha V Garimella1, SanthiLatha Pandrangi2

  • 1Department of Biotechnology, Institute of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Andhra Pradesh 530045, India.

Insights

Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) shows promise in cancer treatment by inducing apoptosis. Nanoparticle delivery systems can enhance TRAIL

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Biology
  • Nanomedicine

Background:

  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis in cancer cells via death receptors DR4 and DR5.
  • TRAIL demonstrates preferential cancer cell apoptosis in vitro and in clinical studies.
  • Clinical efficacy of recombinant human TRAIL (rhTRAIL) is limited by drug resistance, short half-life, and delivery issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review TRAIL resistance mechanisms and strategies to overcome them.
  • To explore nanoparticle-based formulations for enhanced TRAIL delivery.
  • To discuss combinatorial therapies involving TRAIL.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on TRAIL resistance and nanoparticle delivery systems.
  • Analysis of studies utilizing nanoparticle formulations for TRAIL peptides, TRAIL-receptor agonists, and TRAIL genes.
  • Examination of combinatorial approaches with chemotherapeutic drugs.

Main Results:

  • Nanoparticles offer improved drug delivery with enhanced permeability, retention, stability, and targeting.
  • Nanoparticle-based TRAIL delivery systems show potential in overcoming resistance mechanisms.
  • Combinatorial therapies enhance the anticancer efficacy of TRAIL.

Conclusions:

  • Nanoparticle-based delivery systems are crucial for overcoming TRAIL resistance and improving its therapeutic index.
  • TRAIL, when delivered via nanoparticles, holds significant potential as an anticancer agent.
  • Further research into nanoparticle-formulated TRAIL and combination therapies is warranted.