TNFSF10

TNFSF10, also known as TRAIL or Apo2L, is a protein belonging to the tumor necrosis factor superfamily. It is a transmembrane protein that can also exist as a soluble form. TNFSF10 plays a critical role in the induction of apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death. It achieves this by binding to specific death receptors on the surface of target cells, such as TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2. Upon binding, these receptors form complexes that recruit adapter proteins, ultimately leading to the activation of caspases, which are enzymes that execute the apoptotic process.

The primary function of TNFSF10 is to eliminate unwanted or damaged cells, including pre-cancerous and cancerous cells, without harming surrounding healthy tissues. This selective induction of apoptosis makes TNFSF10 a subject of significant interest in cancer research and therapy. Researchers are exploring its potential as an anti-cancer drug, aiming to leverage its ability to trigger cancer cell death. However, the development of TNFSF10-based therapies faces challenges, including the potential for resistance mechanisms in cancer cells and the need to optimize delivery and efficacy. Beyond cancer, TNFSF10 is also implicated in immune responses and the regulation of inflammation.