TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand)

TRAIL is a member of the TNF family which mediates cell death in a wide variety of malignant cell lines and primary tumor cells. It induces two different signals: cell death mediated by caspases and gene induction mediated by NFkappaB. TRAIL, which is ubiquitously expressed, exhibits very complex signalling and tumor-selective induction of apoptosis. TRAIL is involved in lymphatic neoplastic disorders and thyroid diseases and in the treatment of cancer like melanoma.