Decoy receptor 1

Decoy receptor 1 (DcR1), also known as TRAIL receptor 3 (TRAILR3), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the TNFRSF10C gene. It is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily, and is a key player in the regulation of apoptosis and immune response.

Structure

DcR1 is a type I transmembrane protein with an extracellular domain consisting of three cysteine-rich repeats, similar to other members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. However, unlike most other family members, it lacks an intracellular death domain. This means it cannot induce apoptosis, but instead serves as a decoy receptor that can bind to its ligand, TRAIL, without triggering a cell death signal.

Function

The primary function of DcR1 is to protect cells from apoptosis by serving as a decoy receptor for TRAIL. By binding to TRAIL, it prevents the ligand from interacting with the death receptors DR4 and DR5, thereby inhibiting the induction of apoptosis. This function is crucial in immune regulation, as it prevents excessive cell death and maintains immune homeostasis.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the expression of DcR1 have been implicated in a variety of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. In cancer, for example, overexpression of DcR1 can protect tumor cells from apoptosis, contributing to tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Conversely, downregulation of DcR1 has been observed in autoimmune diseases, potentially leading to excessive cell death and tissue damage.

See also

• Tumor necrosis factor receptor
• TRAIL
• Apoptosis
• Immune response