Physiology of Receptor-Mediated Lymphocyte Apoptosis

Apoptosis (programmed cell death), a physiological mechanism eliminating abundant and potentially harmful cells, is triggered by a variety of stimuli including activation of distinct receptors. The machinery mediating CD95 receptor-induced apoptosis includes caspases, ceramide, kinases, Ras and Rac, formation of O(2)(-), mitochondrial proteins, inhibition of K(+) channels, activation of Cl(-) channels, and osmolyte release.