title: The Fas signalling pathway and its role in the pathogenesis of cancer.
abstract: Tumor cells frequently exhibit de novo expression of Fas ligand (FasL/CD95L). Coupled with resistance to Fas-mediated apoptosis, FasL expression enables many cancers to deliver a pre-emptive strike or 'counterattack' against the immune system. New studies also indicate that FasL expression on tumor cells could confer a double advantage to these cells by stimulating their own proliferation. However, pro-inflammatory effects of FasL have also been observed. New findings are beginning to reconcile the paradoxical effects of FasL, with the clinical significance of the Fas counterattack only beginning to emerge.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, National University of Ireland, University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: Aileen
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Houston
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Connell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000502:physiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: C505661:FASLG protein, human; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D019014:fas Receptor