Apoptosis and Potential Immunoregulation Mediated by Fas Molecular

Abstract: As a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)/nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor superfamily， Fas (CD95) plays an important role in apoptosis and immunoregulation. Once Fas binds with its ligand， known as Fas ligand， the cells expressing Fas goes to program cell death or apoptosis. Apoptosis mediated by Fas-FasL involves in the clonal deletion of T cell and B cell in thymus and bone marrow at the early stage of the cell's differentiation. CTL and NK kill their target cells by Fas and FasL interaction. So the Fas and FasL are very important elements in maintaining immune system homeostasis of the human body and involved in autoimmune disorders， tumor development and acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2006.04.0011