Expression and function of Fas during differentiation and activation of B cells.

Fas (Apo-1, CD95) cell surface antigen belongs to the tumor necrosis factor receptor family and mediates apoptosis of a variety of cell types, including lymphocytes, after ligation with Fas ligand (FasL). Recent studies on the role of Fas/FasL interaction in the immune responses strongly suggest the relevance of dysregulation in Fas-mediated apoptosis as a cause of autoimmune disorders. While Fas is not an essential molecule in the elimination or functional inactivation (anergy) of autoreactive B cells, it is indispensable to the maintenance of peripheral tolerance and prevention of autoimmunity. Studies in the past few years have begun to reveal the mechanism by which susceptibility to Fas-mediated apoptosis in B cells is regulated to allow antigen-specific B cells survive and differentiate and to eliminate nonspecifically activated, potentially selfreactive B cells.