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The polypeptide encoded by the cDNA for human cell surface antigen Fas can mediate apoptosis

N Itoh1, S Yonehara, A Ishii

  • 1Osaka Bioscience Institute, Japan.

Cell
|July 26, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Mouse anti-Fas monoclonal antibody induces apoptosis in human cells expressing the Fas antigen. Researchers identified the Fas antigen

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The Fas antigen is a cell surface receptor involved in regulating cell death.
  • Monoclonal antibodies targeting cell surface antigens are crucial tools in biological research and therapeutics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the human Fas antigen and its role in antibody-mediated cell lysis.
  • To understand the molecular basis of Fas-induced apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and sequencing of complementary DNAs (cDNAs) encoding the human Fas antigen from a T cell lymphoma library.
  • Analysis of the Fas antigen's amino acid sequence and structural domains.
  • Induction of apoptosis in Fas-transfected murine cells using anti-Fas monoclonal antibody.

Main Results:

  • The human Fas antigen is a 319 amino acid polypeptide with a single transmembrane domain.
  • The extracellular domain of Fas shares structural similarities with tumor necrosis factor receptors, nerve growth factor receptor, and CD40.
  • Anti-Fas antibody induced apoptosis in murine cells expressing the human Fas antigen.

Conclusions:

  • The Fas antigen is a key mediator of apoptosis, triggered by specific monoclonal antibodies.
  • Structural similarities suggest Fas belongs to a broader family of cell surface receptors involved in signaling.
  • This study provides foundational knowledge for understanding Fas-mediated immune responses and developing targeted therapies.

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