T cells commit suicide, but B cells are murdered!
Scott, D.W.; Grdina, T.; Shi, Y.
Journal of Immunology 156(7): 2352-2356
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-1767 PMID: 8786289 Document Number: 467676
In addition to self tolerance, the immune system needs to be regulated when a response has been initiated. Recent data suggest that activated T and B cells, as well as immature lymphocytes, are susceptible to programmed cell death and that Fas:Fas ligand (FasL) interactions play an important role in this process. However, while T cells may kill themselves via a Fas-dependent pathway, we propose that B cells undergo activation-induced apoptosis independent of Fas, yet can be susceptible to T cell-mediated, FasL-induced death. Therefore, T cells can "commit suicide," but B cells are "murdered" during the regulation of an immune response! Further evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that T cell and B cell apoptosis, are initiated through fundamentally different pathways.