Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathway (TRAIL pathway)

The tumor cell TRAIL pathway is a signaling cascade initiated by the binding of TRAIL to its receptors on tumor cells, leading to apoptosis. It is a key mechanism for inducing apoptosis selectively in cancer cells, while sparing most normal cells, making it an attractive target for cancer therapy. The pathway involves TRAIL, death receptors DR4 and DR5, decoy receptors DcR1, DcR2, and OPG, adaptor protein FADD, and caspases. Resistance to TRAIL-induced apoptosis can arise from upregulation of decoy receptors, overexpression of FLIP proteins, or activation of pro-survival pathways. Therapeutic strategies include recombinant TRAIL proteins and agonistic antibodies targeting DR4/DR5.

Other names

Apo2L pathwayTNFSF10 pathway

Activation of death receptors (DR4/DR5) leading to caspase activation and apoptosis.