TNF-Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand

Synonyms

APO2 ligand; APO2L; TRAIL

Definition

TRAIL is primarily a membrane-bound cytokine that is one of several members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) gene superfamily. Members of this family induce apoptosis through engagement of cell surface death receptors (DRs).

Characteristics

Introduction

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a genetically conserved physiological event. Apoptosis plays a major role in the elimination of injured or unwanted cells in many physiological and pathological conditions such as normal development, defense against viral infection, dysregulated immune disease, and uncontrolled cell growth. Thus, deregulated apoptosis might be related to serious human pathologies including neoplasia, degenerative disorders, and autoimmune diseases. Induction of apoptosis is an important mechanism for chemotherapeutic agentsor radiation to kill cancer cells. Many endogenous cytokines also kill target cells via induction of apoptosis. Among these cytokines, several...