Monoclonal Antibodies

The RIK-2 monoclonal antibody recognizes human CD253, otherwise known as the TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) or tumor necrosis factor (ligand) superfamily member 10 (TNFSF10). TRAIL is a cytotoxic protein, which activates rapid apoptosis in tumor cells, but not in normal cells. TRAIL-induced apoptosis is achieved through binding to two death-signaling receptors, DR4 and DR5. These receptors belong to the TNFR superfamily of transmembrane proteins, and contain a cytoplasmic "death domain", which activates the cell's apoptotic machinery. The RIK-2 antibody is reported to block cellular apoptosis induced by TRAIL.