Fas-mediated apoptosis is a key mechanism for elimination of autoreactive T cells, yet loss of function mutations in the Fas signaling pathway does not result in overt T cell-mediated autoimmunity. Furthermore, mice and humans with homozygous Fas(lpr) or Fas ligand(gld) mutations develop significant numbers of B220+ CD4- CD8- double-negative (DN) alphabeta T cells (hereafter referred to as B220...

Pemphigus is a blistering disease characterized by pemphigus autoantibodies (PVIgG) directed mostly against desmogleins (Dsgs), resulting in the loss of keratinocyte adhesion (acantholysis). Yet, the mechanisms underlying blister formation remain to be clarified. We have shown previously that anti-Fas ligand (FasL) antibody (Ab) prevents PVIgG-induced caspase-8 activation and Dsg cleavage in hu...

It has been recently shown that Fas ligand (FasL) expression on islet beta grafts results in neutrophilic infiltration and graft rejection. In this study, we show that human recombinant soluble FasL is endowed with potent chemotactic properties toward human neutrophilic polymorphonuclear leukocytes (neutrophils) at concentrations incapable of inducing cell apoptosis. Furthermore, neutrophils ex...

The characteristics of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathology include the infiltration of inflammatory leukocytes, the proliferation of synovial cells, and the presence of extensive angiogenesis, referred to as rheumatoid pannus. Fas ligand is critical to the homeostatic regulation of the immune response, but its role in the angiogenic process of RA remains to be defined. In this study, we investi...

Fas antigen and two tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFR), p55 and p75, are implicated in the triggering of cell death upon stimulation by natural ligands and specific monoclonal antibodies. However, the relative efficiency of each receptor, the mechanisms that regulate their function and the signaling pathways they employ, remain to be elucidated. In this study, fusion proteins, composed of t...

Although anatomical barriers and soluble mediators have been implicated in immune privilege, it appears that the apoptotic cell death of Fas+ cells by tissue-associated CD95 ligand (Fas ligand, FasL) is an important component. One clinical example of the function of an immune privileged site is the success of human corneal transplants, where a very high percentage of transplants accept without ...

Fas antigen and two tumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFR), p55 and p75, are implicated in the triggering of cell death upon stimulation by natural ligands and specific monoclonal antibodies. However, the relative efficiency of each receptor, the mechanisms that regulate their function and the signaling pathways they employ, remain to be elucidated. In this study, fusion proteins, composed of t...

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Apoptosis causes a decline in the counts of uninfected bystander CD4+ T cells in HIV infection. The rate of disease progression of HIV infection is considered to be faster in the developing countries. The present study was carried out to investigate certain markers for apoptosis in immunopathogensis of disease in HIV infected south Indian population. METHODS Soluble Fa...