Insights from transgenic mice regarding the role of bcl-2 in normal and neoplastic lymphoid cells

Abstract

The bel-2 gene was first discovered by molecular analysis of the 14; 18 chromosome translocation which is the hallmark of most cases of human follicular lymphoma. To date, it is unique among proto-oncogenes because, rather than promoting cell proliferation, it fosters cell survival. This review summarizes the impact of constitutive bcl-2 expression on the development and function of lymphocytes as well as their malignant transformation. Expression of a bel-2 transgene in the B lymphoid compartment profoundly perturbed homeostasis and, depending on the genetic background, predisposed to a severe autoimmune disease resembling human systemic lupus erythematosus. T lymphoid cells from bcl-2 tran..