Causative agents of osteomyelitis induce death domain-containing TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor expression on osteoblasts

► Primary osteoblasts constitutively express death domain containing TRAIL receptors. ► Cell surface DR4 and DR5 expression is restricted to infected osteoblasts. ► Production of OPG by osteoblasts is inhibited following bacterial infection. ►Acute bacterial exposure sensitizes osteoblasts to the apoptotic actions of TRAIL.