positive regulation of activated CD8-positive, alpha-beta T cell apoptotic process

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that activates or increases the frequency, rate or extent of activated CD8-positive, alpha-beta T cell apoptotic process. [GO_REF:0000058, GOC:TermGenie, PMID:24187568]

Positive regulation of activated CD8-positive, alpha-beta T cell apoptotic process is a complex biological process that involves a series of molecular events leading to the programmed death of activated CD8+ T cells. This process is tightly regulated to ensure appropriate immune responses and prevent excessive immune activation, which can lead to autoimmune diseases or tissue damage. Here's a detailed breakdown of the process:

**1. Activation of CD8+ T cells:**
* CD8+ T cells are a type of immune cell that plays a critical role in targeting and destroying infected or cancerous cells.
* Upon encountering their specific antigen presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), CD8+ T cells become activated and differentiate into cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs).
* Activation triggers a cascade of signaling events, leading to the expression of various genes involved in CTL function, including the expression of Fas ligand (FasL), a death receptor ligand.

**2. Induction of Apoptosis:**
* Activated CTLs express FasL on their surface, which can interact with Fas, a death receptor expressed on the surface of target cells, including activated CD8+ T cells themselves.
* This interaction triggers the formation of the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) on the target cell membrane, leading to activation of caspase-8, an initiator caspase.
* Caspase-8 activates downstream caspases, leading to a cascade of proteolytic events that ultimately result in the dismantling of the cell and its components, leading to apoptosis.

**3. Regulation of Apoptosis:**
* The process of positive regulation involves mechanisms that promote or enhance the apoptotic process.
* This can involve factors that upregulate FasL expression, enhance Fas signaling, or activate downstream apoptotic pathways.
* Cytokines such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-2 can promote FasL expression and enhance Fas signaling.
* Certain intracellular signaling pathways, such as the MAPK pathway, can also contribute to the upregulation of apoptotic signals.

**4. Significance of Positive Regulation:**
* The positive regulation of activated CD8+ T cell apoptosis is essential for maintaining immune homeostasis.
* It ensures that activated CTLs are eliminated after they have successfully cleared the infection or eliminated the cancerous cells.
* This prevents excessive immune activation, which could lead to autoimmune diseases or tissue damage.
* Dysregulation of this process can lead to uncontrolled T cell activation, contributing to conditions such as autoimmune disorders or chronic inflammation.'"

Proteins (1)

Compounds (4)