Interferon gamma is required for activation-induced death of T lymphocytes.
The effector cytokine interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) may play a role in T cell homeostasis. We have examined the requirement for IFN-gamma in one mechanism that regulates T cell expansion and survival, activation-induced cell death (AICD). CD4(+) T cells lacking IFN-gamma or the Stat1 transcription factor are resistant to AICD. IFN-gamma is required for the production of caspases, and retrovirus-mediated expression of caspase-8 restores the sensitivity of Stat1-deficient T cells to AICD. In vitro, IFN-gamma limits the expansion of T cells that are stimulated through their antigen receptors. Thus, IFN-gamma may function to control the expansion and persistence of T cells by promoting caspase-8-dependent apoptosis.
Refaeli
Yosef
Y
Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, 94143, USA.
Van Parijs
Luk
L
Alexander
Stephen I
SI
Abbas
Abul K
AK
D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000172:deficiency / Q000276:immunology* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000172:deficiency / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*
D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D007371:Interferon-gamma