TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Receptor (TRAIL Receptor)

The TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor (TRAIL receptor) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily. It mediates the effects of its ligand, TRAIL (also known as Apo2L or TNFSF10), which can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. There are several receptors for TRAIL: death receptors (DR4 and DR5), which transmit apoptotic signals, and decoy receptors (DcR1 and DcR2), which act as negative regulators. Upon binding to TRAIL, the receptors oligomerize and recruit adaptor proteins, forming the Death-Inducing Signaling Complex (DISC), leading to caspase activation and apoptosis. Engagement can also activate non-apoptotic pathways including NF-kB, MAPKs, and PI3K/AKT. TRAIL-induced apoptosis is highly selective for transformed/tumor cells. Recombinant forms of TRAIL and agonistic antibodies targeting DR4/DR5 have been explored as anticancer therapies but resistance mechanisms can occur.

Other names

TRAIL-R1DR4TRAIL-R2DR5TRAIL-R3DcR1TRAIL-R4DcR2TNFRSF10ATNFRSF10BTNFRSF10CTNFRSF10D

Induction of apoptosis via activation of caspase cascade