Abstract
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.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Apoptosis / drug effects
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Apoptosis / physiology
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Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
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Humans
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Ligands
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Membrane Glycoproteins / physiology*
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Membrane Glycoproteins / therapeutic use
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Models, Biological
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Protein Structure, Tertiary
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Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor / physiology*
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TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / physiology*
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / therapeutic use
Substances
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Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins
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Ligands
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Membrane Glycoproteins
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Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
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TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand
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TNFSF10 protein, human
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Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha