Posttranslational Modifications and Death Receptor Signalling

Abstract

Members of the TNF family are key players of the immune system. Their ability to trigger a wide variety of signalling pathways leading, but not limited, to inflammation, survival, differentiation, or cell death, makes them effective host defense tools to control and eradicate pathogens or unwanted malignant cells. Binding of these ligands to their cognate receptors induces the formation of a mac- romolecular complex, through protein–protein interactions, enabling the activation of a myriad of signalling pathways. The molecular and regulatory events activated downstream of most of these receptors are fairly understood. However, the impact of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) on the early events, including glycosyl- ations or proteolytic cleavage of these receptors and ligands, is less known. This book chapter aims at providing an overview of the main PTMs and their importance in the regulation of apoptosis by TNF receptors.