Prevention of autoimmunity and control of recall response to exogenous antigen by Fas death receptor ligand expression on T cells

Immunity. 2008 Dec 19;29(6):922-33. doi: 10.1016/j.immuni.2008.10.007. Epub 2008 Nov 13.

Abstract

Mice with mutations in the gene encoding Fas ligand (FasL) develop lymphoproliferation and systemic autoimmune diseases. However, the cellular subset responsible for the prevention of autoimmunity in FasL-deficient mice remains undetermined. Here, we show that mice with FasL loss on either B or T cells had identical life span as littermates, and both genotypes developed signs of autoimmunity. In addition, we show that T cell-dependent death was vital for the elimination of aberrant T cells and for controlling the numbers of B cells and dendritic cells that dampen autoimmune responses. Furthermore, we show that the loss of FasL on T cells affected the follicular dentritic cell network in the germinal centers, leading to an impaired recall response to exogenous antigen. These results disclose the distinct roles of cellular subsets in FasL-dependent control of autoimmunity and provide further insight into the role of FasL in humoral immunity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens / immunology
  • Autoimmune Diseases / genetics
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / pathology
  • B-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology*
  • Dendritic Cells / metabolism
  • Fas Ligand Protein / genetics
  • Fas Ligand Protein / immunology*
  • Lymphatic Diseases / genetics
  • Lymphatic Diseases / immunology
  • Lymphatic Diseases / pathology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • fas Receptor / immunology
  • fas Receptor / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Fas protein, mouse
  • fas Receptor