Journal
YEAR IN IMMUNOLOGY
Volume 1285, Issue -, Pages 59-79Publisher
BLACKWELL SCIENCE PUBL
DOI: 10.1111/nyas.12045
Keywords
apoptosis; BCL-2 family; immunity; mitochondria
Categories
Funding
- NCI NIH HHS [CA157740, R01 CA157740] Funding Source: Medline
Ask authors/readers for more resources
The adult human body produces approximately one million white blood cells every second. However, only a small fraction of the cells will survive because the majority is eliminated through a genetically controlled form of cell death known as apoptosis. This review places into perspective recent studies pertaining to the BCL-2 family of proteins as critical regulators of the development and function of the immune system, with particular attention on B cell and T cell biology. Here we discuss how elegant murine model systems have revealed the major contributions of the BCL-2 family in establishing an effective immune system. Moreover, we highlight some key regulatory pathways that influence the expression, function, and stability of individual BCL-2 family members, and discuss their role in immunity. From lethal mechanisms to more gentle ones, the final portion of the review discusses the nonapoptotic functions of the BCL-2 family and how they pertain to the control of immunity.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available