Essential role of BAX,BAK in B cell homeostasis and prevention of autoimmune disease.

Takeuchi, Osamu; Fisher, Jill; Suh, Heikyung; Harada, Hisashi; Malynn, Barbara A; Korsmeyer, Stanley J · Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A · 2005

basic_science · Level V

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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.

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