Following a TRAIL: update on a ligand and its five receptors.
Identification of tumour necrosis factor apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL), a TNF family ligand, sparked a torrent of research, following an initial observation that it could kill tumour cells, but spare normal cells. Almost a decade after its discovery, and with five known receptors, the true physiological role of TRAIL is still debated and its anti-tumorigenic properties limited by potential toxicity. This review takes a comprehensive look at the story of this enigmatic ligand, addressing its remaining potential as a therapeutic and providing an overview of the TRAIL receptors themselves.
Kimberley
Fiona C
FC
Department of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College, Du Cane Road, London, UK.
Screaton
Gavin R
GR
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008954:Models, Biological; D017434:Protein Structure, Tertiary; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / Q000502:physiology*; D053221:TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000502:physiology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D051017:Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins; D008024:Ligands; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D018124:Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor; D053221:TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand; C505653:TNFSF10 protein, human; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha