Defective cell death signalling along the Bcl-2 regulated apoptosis pathway compromises Treg cell development and limits their functionality in mice.

ABSTRACT: The Bcl-2 regulated apoptosis pathway is critical for the elimination of autoreactive lymphocytes, thereby precluding autoimmunity. T cells escaping this process can be kept in check by regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing the transcription and lineage commitment factor Foxp3. Despite the well-established role of Bcl-2 family proteins in shaping the immune system and their frequent deregulation in autoimmune pathologies, it is poorly understood how these proteins affect Treg cell development and function. Here we compared the relative expression of a panel of 40 apoptosis-associated genes in Treg vs. conventional CD4(+) T cells. Physiological significance of key-changes was validated using gene-modified mice lacking or overexpressing pro- or anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members. We define a

SUBMITTER: Tischner D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3314992 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature