title: TRAIL modulates the immune system and protects against the development of diabetes.
abstract: TRAIL or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) related apoptosis-inducing ligand is a member of the TNF superfamily of proteins, whose best characterized function is the induction of apoptosis in tumor, infected, or transformed cells through activation of specific receptors. In nontransformed cells, however, the actions of TRAIL are less well characterized. Recent studies suggest that TRAIL may be implicated in the development and progression of diabetes. Here we review TRAIL biological actions, its effects on the immune system, and how and to what extent it has been shown to protect against diabetes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara University Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Fleur
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bossi
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara University Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Stella
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bernardi
authors.affiliation: Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, Via dell'Istria 65, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Giorgio
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Zauli
authors.affiliation: Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 66, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Secchiero
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical, Surgical, and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Cattinara University Hospital, Strada di Fiume 447, 34100 Trieste, Italy.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fabris
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000209:etiology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System; D053220:Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015398:Signal Transduction
chemical_list: D053220:Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand