Fas-dependent, activation-induced cell death of gammadelta cells

Activated gammadelta T cells undergo apoptosis upon restimulation of their T cell receptor (TCR)/CD3 complex. We demonstrate that in these cells, the activation-induced cell death (AICD) is mediated by Fas and Fas ligand (FasL) interaction. The activated gammadelta T cells are prone to AICD initiated by exposure to mitogens, anti-TCR/CD3 antibodies, as well as specific antigens such as Daudi cells or ethylpyrophosphate (Etpp). Cells that have been activated twice, and consequently more susceptible to AICD than primary cells, display augmented tyrosine phosphorylation in comparison with control cells. These studies outline a mechanism that may regulate gammadelta T cell activities in immune responses and limit the expansion of activated T cells repeatedly exposed to antigens.