title: Targeting the Fas/Fas ligand pathway in cancer.
abstract: Fas is a transmembrane receptor that can induce apoptosis after cross-linking with either agonistic antibodies or with Fas ligand (FasL). Although originally described as an important regulator of peripheral immune homeostasis, accumulating evidence suggests that the Fas/FasL system plays an important role in tumour development. In addition to its proapoptotic functions, accumulating evidence demonstrates that Fas can activate numerous nonapoptotic signalling pathways, and that activation of these pathways can result in increased tumourigenicity and metastasis. This review summarises the current understanding of the Fas/FasL system in tumorigenesis and discusses attempts to utilise the Fas/FasL system in the treatment of cancer.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, NUIC, Clinical Sciences Building, University Hospital, Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: Darren I
authors.initials: DI
authors.lastname: O'Brien
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nally
authors.forename: Raymond G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Terrence M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: O'Connor
authors.forename: Fergus
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Shanahan
authors.forename: Joe
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'Connell
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D019014:fas Receptor