Essential role of BAX,BAK in B cell homeostasis and prevention of autoimmune disease
Abstract
B cell homeostasis is maintained by a balance between the continual generation of new cells and their elimination. Here we show proapoptotic BCL-2 family members BAX and BAK are essential for regulating the number of B cells at both immature and mature developmental stages. BAX and BAK are critical mediators of B cell death induced by multiple stimuli. In addition, BAX- and BAK-deficient B cells display defective cell cycle progression to B cell receptor crosslinking and lipopolysaccharide, but not to CpG-DNA. Furthermore, inducible deletion of Bax and Bak in adult mice results in the development of severe autoimmune disease.
- Publication:
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- August 2005
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.0504783102
- Bibcode:
- 2005PNAS..10211272T
- Keywords:
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- BIOCHEMISTRY, BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES