Role of Bim and other Bcl-2 family members in autoimmune and degenerative diseases.

Abstract

Apoptosis is essential for the development, function and homeostasis of the immune system. Experiments with transgenic and gene knock-out mice have shown that defects in the control of apoptosis in the hematopoietic system can promote the development of autoimmunity or hematological malignancy. In contrast, excessive apoptosis of normally long-lived hemopoietic cells can lead to lymphopenia and immunodeficiency. In mammals, cell death in response to developmental cues and many cell stress signals is regulated by the opposing factions of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. In particular, the pro-apoptotic subgroup called BH3-only proteins, which includes Bim, is critical in the initiation of apopto..