Is There a Role for Nuclear Factor kappa B in Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand Resistance?

One strategy for cancer management consists of promoting selective apoptosis of cancer cells. Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a proapoptotic cytokine, is a promising anticancer agent because of its ability to selectively induce apoptosis in established tumor cell lines but not in nontransformed cells. However, many tumors have developed mechanisms of resistance against killing by TRAIL. Whether or not the transcription factor nuclear factor (kappa B) is involved in TRAIL resistance is uncertain, and this short review aims to summarize currently available data on this question.