View source for Fas ligand

{{Infobox_gene}}
'''Fas ligand''' ('''FasL''' or [[CD95]]L) is a type-II [[transmembrane protein]] that belongs to the [[Tumor necrosis factors|tumor necrosis factor]] (TNF) family. Its binding with its receptor induces [[apoptosis]]. Fas ligand/receptor interactions play an important role in the regulation of the [[immune system]] and the progression of [[cancer]].

== Structure ==
Fas ligand or FasL is a [[homotrimer]]ic type II transmembrane protein expressed on [[Cytotoxic T cell|cytotoxic T lymphocytes]]. It signals through trimerization of [[Fas receptor|FasR]], which spans the membrane of the "target" cell. This trimerization usually leads to apoptosis, or cell death.

Soluble Fas ligand is generated by cleaving membrane-bound FasL at a conserved cleavage site by the external [[matrix metalloproteinase]] MMP-7.

== Receptors ==
*'''FasR''': The [[Fas receptor]] ([[FasR]]), or [[CD95]], is the most intensely studied member of the death receptor family. The gene is situated on [[Chromosome 10 (human)|chromosome 10]] in humans and 19 in mice.  Previous reports have identified as many as eight splice variants, which are translated into seven [[Protein isoform|isoforms]] of the protein.  Many of these isoforms are rare [[haplotypes]] that are usually associated with a state of disease. Apoptosis-inducing Fas receptor is dubbed isoform 1 and is a type 1 [[transmembrane protein]]. It consists of three [[cysteine]]-rich pseudorepeats, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular death domain.
*'''DcR3''': Decoy receptor 3 ([[DcR3]]) is a recently discovered decoy receptor of the [[Tumor necrosis factors|tumor necrosis factor]] superfamily that binds to FasL, [[LIGHT]], and [[TL1A]]. DcR3 is a soluble receptor that has no [[signal transduction]] capabilities (hence a "decoy") and functions to prevent [[FasR]]-FasL interactions by competitively binding to membrane-bound Fas ligand and rendering them inactive.<ref name="pmid10942251">{{cite journal | vauthors = Sheikh MS, Fornace AJ | title = Death and decoy receptors and p53-mediated apoptosis | journal = Leukemia | volume = 14 | issue = 8 | pages = 1509–1513 | year = 2000 | pmid = 10942251 | doi = 10.1038/sj.leu.2401865 }}</ref>

== Cell signaling ==
Fas forms the [[death-inducing signaling complex]] (DISC) upon ligand binding. Membrane-anchored Fas ligand trimer on the surface of an adjacent cell causes trimerization of Fas receptor.  This event is also mimicked by binding of an agonistic Fas [[antibody]], though some evidence suggests that the apoptotic signal induced by the antibody is unreliable in the study of Fas signaling. To this end, several clever ways of trimerizing the antibody for in vitro research have been employed.

Upon ensuing ''[[death domain]]'' (DD) aggregation, the receptor complex is internalized via the cellular endosomal machinery. This allows the adaptor molecule ''Fas-associated death domain'' (FADD) to bind the death domain of Fas through its own death domain. FADD also contains a ''[[death effector domain]]'' (DED) near its amino terminus, which facilitates binding to the DED of [[FADD]]-like ICE ([[FLICE]]), more commonly referred to as [[caspase-8]]. FLICE can then self-activate through proteolytic cleavage into p10 and p18 subunits, of which two form the active heterotetramer enzyme. Active caspase-8 is then released from the DISC into the cytosol, where it cleaves other effector caspases, eventually leading to DNA degradation, membrane blebbing, and other hallmarks of apoptosis.

[[Image:Fas signaling.jpg|thumbnail|right|220px|Signaling pathways of Fas. Dashed grey lines represent multiple steps in JNK signaling]]
Some reports have suggested that the extrinsic Fas pathway is sufficient to induce complete apoptosis in certain cell types through DISC assembly and subsequent caspase-8 activation.  These cells are dubbed Type 1 cells and are characterized by the inability of anti-apoptotic members of the [[Bcl-2]] family (namely Bcl-2 and [[Bcl-xL]]) to protect from Fas-mediated apoptosis. Characterized Type 1 cells include H9, CH1, SKW6.4, and SW480, all of which are lymphocyte lineages except the latter, which is of the colon adenocarcinoma lineage.

Evidence for crosstalk between the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways exists in the Fas signal cascade. In most cell types, caspase-8 catalyzes the cleavage of the pro-apoptotic [[Bcl-2|BH3]]-only protein [[BH3 interacting domain death agonist|Bid]] into its truncated form, tBid. BH-3 only members of the Bcl-2 family engage exclusively anti-apoptotic members of the family (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL), allowing [[Bcl-2 homologous antagonist killer|Bak]] and [[Bcl-2-associated X protein|Bax]] to translocate to the outer mitochondrial membrane, thus permeabilizing it and facilitating release of pro-apoptotic proteins such as [[cytochrome c]] and [[Diablo homolog|Smac/DIABLO]], an antagonist of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins ([[Inhibitor of apoptosis|IAPs]]).

Soluble FasL is less active than its membrane-bound counterpart and does not induce receptor trimerization and [[death-inducing signaling complex|DISC]] formation.

== Functions ==
[[Image:Signal transduction pathways.svg|220px|thumb|right|Overview of signal transduction pathways involved in [[apoptosis]]]]
[[Apoptosis]] triggered by Fas-Fas ligand binding plays a fundamental role in the regulation of the [[immune system]]. Its functions include:
*'''[[T-cell]] [[homeostasis]]''': the activation of [[T-cells]] leads to their expression of the Fas ligand. T cells are initially resistant to Fas-mediated apoptosis during clonal expansion, but become progressively more sensitive the longer they are activated, ultimately resulting in [[activation-induced cell death (AICD)]]. This process is needed to prevent an excessive immune response and eliminate autoreactive T-cells. Humans and mice with deleterious mutations of Fas or Fas ligand develop an accumulation of aberrant T-cells, leading to [[lymphadenopathy]], [[splenomegaly]], and [[lupus erythematosus]].
*'''[[Cytotoxic T-cell]] activity''': Fas-induced [[apoptosis]] and the [[perforin]] pathway are the two main mechanisms by which [[cytotoxic T lymphocytes]] induce cell death in cells expressing foreign antigens.<ref name="pmid16417215">{{cite journal | vauthors = Andersen MH, Schrama D, Thor Straten P, Becker JC | title = Cytotoxic T cells | journal = J. Invest. Dermatol. | volume = 126 | issue = 1 | pages = 32–41 | year = 2006 | pmid = 16417215 | doi = 10.1038/sj.jid.5700001 }}</ref>
*'''[[Immune privilege]]''': Cells in immune privileged areas such as the [[cornea]] or [[testes]] express Fas ligand and induce the apoptosis of infiltrating [[lymphocytes]]. It is one of many mechanisms the body employs in the establishment and maintenance of immune privilege.
*'''Maternal tolerance''': Fas ligand may be instrumental in the prevention of leukocyte trafficking between the mother and the fetus, although no pregnancy defects have yet been attributed to a faulty Fas-Fas ligand system.
*'''Tumor counterattack''': Tumors may over-express Fas ligand and induce the [[apoptosis]] of infiltrating [[lymphocytes]], allowing the tumor to escape the effects of an [[immune response]].<ref name="pmid15889255">{{cite journal | vauthors = Igney FH, Krammer PH | title = Tumor counterattack: fact or fiction? | journal = Cancer Immunol. Immunother. | volume = 54 | issue = 11 | pages = 1127–1136 | year = 2005 | pmid = 15889255 | doi = 10.1007/s00262-005-0680-7 }}</ref> The up-regulation of Fas ligand often occurs following [[chemotherapy]], from which the tumor cells have attained [[apoptosis]] resistance.

== Role in disease ==
Defective Fas-mediated apoptosis may lead to [[oncogenesis]] as well as drug resistance in existing tumors. Germline mutation of Fas is associated with [[autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome]] (ALPS), a childhood disorder of apoptosis.

== Interactions ==
Fas ligand has been shown to [[Protein-protein interaction|interact]] with:
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
* [[Caspase 8|CASP8]],<ref name = pmid15659383/><ref name = pmid12887920/> 
* [[Ezrin|EZR]],<ref name = pmid15659383/><ref name = pmid11013215>{{cite journal | vauthors = Parlato S, Giammarioli AM, Logozzi M, Lozupone F, Matarrese P, Luciani F, Falchi M, Malorni W, Fais S | title = CD95 (APO-1/Fas) linkage to the actin cytoskeleton through ezrin in human T lymphocytes: a novel regulatory mechanism of the CD95 apoptotic pathway | journal = EMBO J. | volume = 19 | issue = 19 | pages = 5123–34 | date = October 2000 | pmid = 11013215 | pmc = 302100 | doi = 10.1093/emboj/19.19.5123 }}</ref> 
* [[FADD]],<ref name = pmid15659383>{{cite journal | vauthors = Gajate C, Mollinedo F | title = Cytoskeleton-mediated death receptor and ligand concentration in lipid rafts forms apoptosis-promoting clusters in cancer chemotherapy | journal = J. Biol. Chem. | volume = 280 | issue = 12 | pages = 11641–7 | date = March 2005 | pmid = 15659383 | doi = 10.1074/jbc.M411781200 }}</ref><ref name = pmid12887920>{{cite journal | vauthors = Micheau O, Tschopp J | title = Induction of TNF receptor I-mediated apoptosis via two sequential signaling complexes | journal = Cell | volume = 114 | issue = 2 | pages = 181–90 | date = July 2003 | pmid = 12887920 | doi =  10.1016/s0092-8674(03)00521-x}}</ref> 
* [[FNBP1]],<ref name = pmid12023017/> 
* [[FYN]],<ref name = pmid11741599/><ref name = pmid7589480>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hane M, Lowin B, Peitsch M, Becker K, Tschopp J | title = Interaction of peptides derived from the Fas ligand with the Fyn-SH3 domain | journal = FEBS Lett. | volume = 373 | issue = 3 | pages = 265–8 | date = October 1995 | pmid = 7589480 | doi =  10.1016/0014-5793(95)01051-f}}</ref> 
* [[Fas receptor|FAS]],<ref name = pmid15659383/><ref name = pmid12887920/><ref name = pmid9126929>{{cite journal | vauthors = Starling GC, Bajorath J, Emswiler J, Ledbetter JA, Aruffo A, Kiener PA | title = Identification of amino acid residues important for ligand binding to Fas | journal = J. Exp. Med. | volume = 185 | issue = 8 | pages = 1487–92 | date = April 1997 | pmid = 9126929 | pmc = 2196280 | doi =  10.1084/jem.185.8.1487}}</ref><ref name = pmid9228058>{{cite journal | vauthors = Schneider P, Bodmer JL, Holler N, Mattmann C, Scuderi P, Terskikh A, Peitsch MC, Tschopp J | title = Characterization of Fas (Apo-1, CD95)-Fas ligand interaction | journal = J. Biol. Chem. | volume = 272 | issue = 30 | pages = 18827–33 | date = July 1997 | pmid = 9228058 | doi =  10.1074/jbc.272.30.18827}}</ref> 
* [[Grb2]],<ref name = pmid12023017>{{cite journal | vauthors = Ghadimi MP, Sanzenbacher R, Thiede B, Wenzel J, Jing Q, Plomann M, Borkhardt A, Kabelitz D, Janssen O | title = Identification of interaction partners of the cytosolic polyproline region of CD95 ligand (CD178) | journal = FEBS Lett. | volume = 519 | issue = 1-3 | pages = 50–8 | date = May 2002 | pmid = 12023017 | doi =  10.1016/s0014-5793(02)02709-6}}</ref><ref name = pmid11741599>{{cite journal | vauthors = Wenzel J, Sanzenbacher R, Ghadimi M, Lewitzky M, Zhou Q, Kaplan DR, Kabelitz D, Feller SM, Janssen O | title = Multiple interactions of the cytosolic polyproline region of the CD95 ligand: hints for the reverse signal transduction capacity of a death factor | journal = FEBS Lett. | volume = 509 | issue = 2 | pages = 255–62 | date = December 2001 | pmid = 11741599 | doi =  10.1016/s0014-5793(01)03174-x}}</ref> 
* [[PACSIN2]],<ref name = pmid12023017/>  and
* [[TNFRSF6B]].<ref name = pmid10318773>{{cite journal | vauthors = Yu KY, Kwon B, Ni J, Zhai Y, Ebner R, Kwon BS | title = A newly identified member of tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TR6) suppresses LIGHT-mediated apoptosis | journal = J. Biol. Chem. | volume = 274 | issue = 20 | pages = 13733–6 | date = May 1999 | pmid = 10318773 | doi =  10.1074/jbc.274.20.13733}}</ref><ref name = pmid11994433>{{cite journal | vauthors = Hsu TL, Chang YC, Chen SJ, Liu YJ, Chiu AW, Chio CC, Chen L, Hsieh SL | title = Modulation of dendritic cell differentiation and maturation by decoy receptor 3 | journal = J. Immunol. | volume = 168 | issue = 10 | pages = 4846–53 | date = May 2002 | pmid = 11994433 | doi =  10.4049/jimmunol.168.10.4846}}</ref><ref name = pmid9872321>{{cite journal | vauthors = Pitti RM, Marsters SA, Lawrence DA, Roy M, Kischkel FC, Dowd P, Huang A, Donahue CJ, Sherwood SW, Baldwin DT, Godowski PJ, Wood WI, Gurney AL, Hillan KJ, Cohen RL, Goddard AD, Botstein D, Ashkenazi A | title = Genomic amplification of a decoy receptor for Fas ligand in lung and colon cancer | journal = Nature | volume = 396 | issue = 6712 | pages = 699–703 | date = December 1998 | pmid = 9872321 | doi = 10.1038/25387 }}</ref>
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
*[[FAF1]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|35em}}

== Further reading ==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite journal | vauthors = Choi C, Benveniste EN | title = Fas ligand/Fas system in the brain: regulator of immune and apoptotic responses | journal = Brain Res. Brain Res. Rev. | volume = 44 | issue = 1 | pages = 65–81 |date=January 2004 | pmid = 14739003 | doi = 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2003.08.007  }}
* {{cite journal | vauthors = Tolstrup M, Ostergaard L, Laursen AL, Pedersen SF, Duch M | title = HIV/SIV escape from immune surveillance: focus on Nef | journal = Curr. HIV Res. | volume = 2 | issue = 2 | pages = 141–51 | year = 2004 | pmid = 15078178 | doi = 10.2174/1570162043484924 }}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
*  [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/br.fcgi?book=gene&part=alps  GeneReviews/NCBI/NIH/UW entry on Autoimmune Lymphoproliferative Syndrome]
* {{OMIM|601859}}
* {{MeshName|Fas+Ligand+Protein}}

{{Clusters of differentiation}}
{{Tumor necrosis factors}}
{{Fas apoptosis signaling pathway}}
{{Cytokine receptor modulators}}

[[Category:Clusters of differentiation]]
[[Category:Immune system]]
[[Category:Programmed cell death]]
[[Category:Signal transduction]]