Molecular mechanisms of APO-1/Fas (CD95) -mediated apoptosis in tolerance and AIDS
Dhein, J.; Walczak, H.; Westendorp, M.O.; Bäumler, C.; Stricker, K.; Frank, R.; Debatin, K.M.; Krammer, P.H.
Behring Institute Mitteilungen 1995(96): 13-20
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-0457 PMID: 7575348 Document Number: 451495
The cell surface molecule APO-1/Fas(CD95), a member of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) receptor/Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) receptor superfamily mediates apoptosis upon cross-linking by agonistic antibodies or its ligand. Recent findings suggest that APO-1/Fas(CD95) and its ligand are the key molecules for antigen receptor-induced apoptosis in activated mature T cells. Here we propose a mechanism for antigen receptor-induced apoptosis of activated T cells via APO-1 ligand mediated autocrine suicide. This mechanism may also contribute to the depletion of CD4+ T cells in AIDS.