Activation of the Fas receptor on lung eosinophils leads to apoptosis and the resolution of eosinophilic inflammation of the airways

Abstract

While considerable progress has been made in understanding the events by which eosinophils accumulate in various pathophysiological conditions, the mechanisms controlling the resolution of eosinophilic inflammation are poorly understood. In the present study, we demonstrate that lung eosinophils obtained by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) after aerosol allergen provocation of immunized mice expressed the Fas receptor. Stimulation of purified eosinophils in vitro with a monoclonal anti-Fas mAb (1 ng-1 μg/ml) induced a dose/time dependent loss of cell viability from 24-72 h. Measurement of DNA fragmentation with propidium iodide, confirmed that anti-Fas induced eosinophil death by apoptosis. Whil..