The study of the induction of thymocytes apoptotisis by superantigen SEB in vitro / 中国免疫学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate whether superantigen SEB,with the assistance of APCs,could induce apoptosis of thymocytes in vitro,and to study the mechanism involved.Methods:SEB was given to thymocytes which were cultured together with APCs.Apoptosis was detected by DNA electrophoresis and DNA fragmentation assay.Expressions of Fas and FasL were detected by flow cytometry.Results:The thymocytes treated with SEB had the characters of apoptosis,and the apoptotic rate and expressions of Fas and FasL was significantly increased compared with control.Conclusion:SEB,together with APCs,can induce apoptosis of thymocytes in vitro,high expressions of Fas and FasL on thymocyte may participate in the mediation of apoptosis.This may provide a method to study the negative selection of thymocytes.