CD95-induced apoptosis in human liver disease

The CD95 receptor is a death receptor capable of transducing apoptotic cell death upon ligation with the CD95 ligand (CD95L). The CD95/CD95L system plays a physiological role in apoptosis of lymphocytes and liver cells. In addition, the striking finding of acute hepatic failure in mice upon CD95 triggering has stimulated general interest in the involvement of CD95 mediated apoptosis in human liver disease. The currently available data point to a deregulated CD95 system in viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, acute hepatic failure of different etiology, diseases of the bile ducts, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Animal experiments suggest a causative relationship between CD95 activation and liver cell death, which, however, still has to be proven for liver disease in man. This review summarizes our present knowledge on CD95 mediated human liver disease.