Distinct function of monoclonal antibody to TRAIL-R2 as potentiator or inhibitor of the ligand TRAIL-induced apoptosis.

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) specifically induces apoptosis in tumor cells but may be toxic to human hepatocytes. Although hepatocytes are susceptible to apoptotic signals mediated by TRAIL-receptor 2 (TRAIL-R2), we previously reported that some anti-TRAIL-R2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) produce little hepatocyte toxicity. Those mAbs neutralized the cytotoxic activity of TRAIL by inhibiting receptor-ligand binding.