Soluble HLA class I/CD8 ligation triggers apoptosis in EBV-specific CD8 + cytotoxic T lymphocytes by Fas/Fas-ligand interaction

Abstract

In the present study, we report that allogeneic soluble HLA class I (sHLA-I) molecules isolated from serum induce apoptosis on EBV-specific CD8 + Fas + cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL). CTL apoptosis is induced by the binding of sHLA-I molecules to CD8 and its extent depends on the time of incubation with sHLA-I molecules. Apoptosis is triggered by the interaction of Fas + CTL with soluble Fas-ligand, which is released following the binding of sHLA-I antigens to CD8 molecules. These results suggest that sHLA-I molecules may regulate immune responses by inducing apoptosis in virus-specific CTL.