The CD99 signal enhances Fas-mediated apoptosis in the human leukemic cell line, Jurkat.

The CD99 antigen has been implicated in various cellular processes, including apoptosis in T cells. Previously, we reported two monoclonal antibodies that recognize different epitopes of the CD99 molecule, named DN16 and YG32. In this study, we investigated the role of each CD99 epitope in T cell apoptosis. Unlike the DN16 epitope, CD99 ligation via the YG32 epitope failed to induce T cell death. Surprisingly, however, the YG32 signal enhanced Fas-mediated apoptosis in Jurkat T cells. Augmentation of Fas-mediated apoptosis by YG32 ligation was inhibited by treatment with either of the caspase inhibitors z-VAD-fmk or z-IETD-fmk, and YG32 ligation appeared to induce Fas oligomerization. These results suggest that each CD99 epitope plays a distinct role in T cell biology, especially in T cell apoptosis.