Clonal deletion via activation-induced apoptosis (AIA) of antigen-specific T cells (ASTC) plays a very important role in the induction of peripheral tolerance. However, none of the studies performed so far has shown a complete deletion of ASTC, a small population always persisting in the periphery. The mechanism by which this small population of ASTC escapes AIA has not been determined. Since the existence of these ASTC may influence the outcome of autoimmune diseases and long-term graft survival, we have characterized the properties of these residual ASTC in vivo with the objective of determining mechanisms that may contribute to their persistence. It was found that the resistance of the residual ASTC to AIA is not due to lack of activation or Fas/Fas-L expression. Compared to those susceptible to AIA, the residual ASTC express a high level of Th2-type cytokines that may help them to escape from AIA. Furthermore, they are able to suppress proliferation of other ASTC, suggesting they may, in fact, prolong tolerance in vivo.
Article|
May 01 1996
Characterization of apoptosis-resistant antigen-specific T cells in vivo.
L Zhang,
L Zhang
Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Toronto Hospital Research Institute, University of Toronto, Canada.
Search for other works by this author on:
R G Miller,
R G Miller
Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Toronto Hospital Research Institute, University of Toronto, Canada.
Search for other works by this author on:
J Zhang
J Zhang
Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Toronto Hospital Research Institute, University of Toronto, Canada.
Search for other works by this author on:
L Zhang
Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Toronto Hospital Research Institute, University of Toronto, Canada.
R G Miller
Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Toronto Hospital Research Institute, University of Toronto, Canada.
J Zhang
Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, Toronto Hospital Research Institute, University of Toronto, Canada.
Online ISSN: 1540-9538
Print ISSN: 0022-1007
J Exp Med (1996) 183 (5): 2065–2073.
Citation
L Zhang, R G Miller, J Zhang; Characterization of apoptosis-resistant antigen-specific T cells in vivo.. J Exp Med 1 May 1996; 183 (5): 2065–2073. doi: https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.183.5.2065
Download citation file: