TRAIL Antibody [SB91c]

Background:

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a member of the TNF family of cytokines. This type II transmembrane protein is expressed by several cytotoxic immune cells, including natural killer cells and activated T cells, and is selective for tumorigenic and virally infected cells. TRAIL can bind to DR4 and DR5 receptors on target cells which facilitates recruitment of numerous signaling proteins to form a death-inducing signaling complex. This signaling complex is then believed to propagate the apoptotic signal through the recruitment and activation of caspase-8. Numerous studies have identified TRAIL as a potent apoptotic factor in a variety of human cancer cell lines, but this cytokine does not appear to affect normal cell lines. Therefore, the selectivity and anti-tumorigenic properties of TRAIL make it an intriguing and potentially therapeutic agent in the treatment of cancer.