DICE: A novel tumor surveillance mechanism - A new therapy for cancer?

Marcus E. Peter*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

The conventional view of CD95 (Fas/APO-1) is that it is a dedicated apoptosis-inducing receptor with important functions in immune cell homeostasis and in viral and tumor defense. There is an emerging recognition, however, that CD95 also has multiple nonapoptotic activities. In the context of cancer, CD95 was shown to have tumor-promoting activities, and the concept of this new function of CD95 in cancer is gaining traction. Recently, we showed that not only is CD95 a growth promoter for cancer cells, but, paradoxically, when either CD95 or CD95 ligand (CD95L) is removed, that virtually all cancer cells die through a process we have named DICE (death induced by CD95R/L elimination). In this perspective, I outline a hypothesis regarding the physiological function of DICE, and why it may be possible to use induction of DICE to treat many, if not most, cancers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1373-1378
Number of pages6
JournalCell Cycle
Volume13
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - May 1 2014

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • Cell death
  • Fas
  • Immune system
  • Surveillance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Molecular Biology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Cell Biology

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