Regulation of lymphocyte proliferation and death by FLIP.
Lymphocyte homeostasis is a balance between lymphocyte proliferation and lymphocyte death. Tight control of apoptosis is essential for immune function, because its altered regulation can result in cancer and autoimmunity. Signals from members of the tumour-necrosis-factor receptor (TNF-R) family, such as Fas and TNF-R1, activate the caspase cascade and result in lymphocyte death by apoptosis. Anti-apoptotic proteins, such as FLIP (also known as FLICE/caspase-8 inhibitory protein) have recently been identified. FLIP expression is tightly regulated in T cells and might be involved in the control of both T-cell activation and death. Abnormal expression of FLIP might have a role not only in autoimmune diseases, but also in tumour development and cardiovascular disorders.
Thome
M
M
Institute of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, BIL Biomedical Research Center, Epalinges, Switzerland. margot.thomemiazza@ib.unil.ch
Tschopp
J
J
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D053446:CASP8 and FADD-Like Apoptosis Regulating Protein; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D002455:Cell Division; D006801:Humans; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D015398:Signal Transduction; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000276:immunology
D053446:CASP8 and FADD-Like Apoptosis Regulating Protein; C506386:CFLAR protein, human; D002352:Carrier Proteins; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D019014:fas Receptor