The role of TRAIL death receptors in the treatment of hematological malignancies

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising new treatment for the hematological malignancies. TRAIL induces apoptosis by binding to its two death receptors DR4 (TRAIL-R1) and DR5 (TRAIL-R2). The extent of apoptosis by TRAIL is tightly regulated by the expression of these receptors and by downstream signaling. Chemotherapeutic agents increase the expressions of DR4 and DR5 on tumor cells through the activation of various transcription factors and there is enhanced killing on combining these agents with TRAIL. In this review, we will discuss the mechanism of TRAIL death receptor-induced apoptosis and the regulation of DR4 and DR5 expression. In particular, we will focus on the regulation of TRAIL death receptor signaling in hematological malignancies and the mechanisms responsible for the sensitization of leukemia and lymphoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by chemotherapy. Finally, we shall review the clinical data regarding the use of recombinant TRAIL and activating monoclonal antibodies against the TRAIL death receptors in the hematological malignancies.