PROGRAMMED CELL-DEATH (APOPTOSIS) IN IMMUNITY AND HEMATOLOGICAL NEOPLASIA

Programmed cell death, also commonly referred to as apoptosis, is a ge netically controlled sequence of events, often requiring protein synth esis, which results in cell death. Although initially described 20 yea rs ago, it is only recently that its role as a mechanism in controllin g cell population size and content has been fully realised. In this re view the biochemical events of apoptosis are discussed briefly, follow ed by a more detailed look at the role of programmed cell death in the control of haemopoiesis and the maintenance of a balanced functional immune system. The role of proto-oncogenes and suppressor genes known to regulate programmed cell death is covered, and also their influence on the induction and maintenance of neoplastic disease. Finally, the potential role of apoptosis in the resistance of haematological malign ancies to chemotherapy is commented on.