Current Understanding on the Immunological Functions of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) selectively induces apoptosis in varioustumor cells and virus-infected cells,but rarely in normal cells.The killing specificity of TRAIL has brought greatinterests to develop a novel apoptosis-based anti-tumor agent for clinical application.TRAIL is expressed in manynormal tissues and cells,such as liver,brain,kidney,heart,colon,lung,and testis.However,immunological andphysiological functions of TRAIL in vivo have not been understood well.In the present paper we summarized theprogress in the research on immunological functions of TRAIL.Cellular & Molecular Immunology.2005;2(4):265-269.