[Characterization of expression of the apoptosis associated PF18-3 molecule in thymocyte apoptosis following ConA

H Wang1, S Y Xiao, X W Pang

  • 1Key Lab of Medical Immunology, Department of Immunology, Beijing Medical University, Beijing 100083.

Shi Yan Sheng Wu Xue Bao
|January 29, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Researchers analyzed the PF18-3 molecule during activation-induced thymocyte apoptosis. This molecule specifically expressed in diploid apoptotic thymocytes, suggesting it

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Context:

  • Activation-induced cell death (AICD) is crucial for immune homeostasis.
  • Thymocyte apoptosis plays a vital role in T-cell development.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms of AICD is essential.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the expression pattern of the molecule recognized by McAb PF18-3 during activation-induced thymocyte apoptosis.
  • To determine if PF18-3 molecule is associated with Fas or translocated membrane phospholipid.
  • To identify novel molecules involved in thymocyte apoptosis.

Summary:

  • Following ConA activation, thymocytes exhibited delayed DNA laddering and TUNEL-positive staining, indicating apoptosis.
  • The PF18-3 molecule was specifically expressed in a subset of diploid apoptotic thymocytes.
  • Kinetic analysis revealed PF18-3 expression differs from Fas and translocated membrane phospholipid.

Impact:

  • Identifies PF18-3 as a potential novel marker for thymocyte apoptosis.
  • Provides insights into the molecular pathways regulating thymocyte apoptosis.
  • Contributes to understanding immune regulation and T-cell development.

Related Concept Videos

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:31

The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway

Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
Apoptosis01:30

Apoptosis

Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells

Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or  immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as  epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes. 
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection01:22

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Caspases01:24

Caspases

Caspase, a family of cysteine proteases, serve as effectors in apoptosis. The ced3 gene in C.elegans was first identified to be involved in apoptosis. This gene encodes the ced-3 caspase that is similar to the interleukin-1-beta converting enzyme or ICE in mammals. In addition to apoptosis, caspases also function in the inflammatory response. Inflammatory caspases are essential in activating pro-inflammatory cytokines that recruit immune cells and block the replication of pathogens inside cells.