[The role of CD95 (APO-1/Fas) mutations in lymphoproliferative and malignant lymphatic diseases]

CD95 (APO-1/Fas)-mediated apoptosis plays a major role in normal lymphocyte regulation. CD95 mutations cause a benign autoimmune lymphoproliferation syndrome (ALPS) in mice and humans. CD95 is mutated in some de novo T-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia of childhood and these mutations might be of biological significance. The resistance toward CD95-mediated apoptosis observed in most B-lineage ALL is not caused by mutations of CD95. CD95 mutations have been associated with Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and have been described in multiple myeloma. The relevance of CD95 mutations for chemoresistance of ALL requires further study.