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CD95/CD95L interactions and their role in autoimmunity

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Abstract

CD95 (Fas/Apo-1) is a broadly expressed death receptor involved in a variety of physiological and pathological apoptotic processes. Since its discovery, defects in CD95/CD95L system have been proposed as major pathogenic factors responsible for impaired immunological tolerance to self antigens and autoimmunity. Later, analysis of altered sensitivity to CD95-induced apoptosis in cells targeted by the immune response has revealed an unexpected role for CD95 and CD95L in organ-specific autoimmunity. CD95 has been shown to be expressed and functional in virtually all cell types that are target of the organ-specific autoimmune response. Here we review some of the major findings concerning the role of CD95 in autoimmunity, in dysfunctions due to increased or decreased CD95-induced apoptosis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Hematology and Oncology, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome

    L. Ricci-Vitiani

  2. Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome;

    C. Conticello, A. Zeuner & R. De Maria

  3. Institute of General Pathology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

    C. Conticello, A. Zeuner & R. De Maria

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  1. L. Ricci-Vitiani
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  3. A. Zeuner
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  4. R. De Maria
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Ricci-Vitiani, L., Conticello, C., Zeuner, A. et al. CD95/CD95L interactions and their role in autoimmunity. Apoptosis 5, 419–424 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009668212375

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