CD95 ligand (CD95L) in normal human lymphoid tissues - A subset of plasma cells are prominent producers of CD95L

CD95(Fas/APO-1)-ligand (CD95L) mediates apoptosis by trimerization of the C D95 receptor on the surface of sensitive cells. In vitro studies have shown CD95L expression mainly by activated T cells and suggested a role for CD95 L in the regulation of immune responses. Little is known, however, about th e cellular distribution of CD95L in situ in the normal human immune system. We investigated CD95L expression in tissue sections of the thymus, lymph n ode, spleen, tonsil, and gastrointestinal tract using in situ hybridization and two monoclonal antibodies. In all these organs, cells expressing CD95L message and protein mere scarce and comprised scattered lymphocytes, rare nonlymphoid cells, and a subset of epithelioid endothelial cells. Surprisin gly, a subset of plasma cells turned out to be the most prominent producers of CD95L, matching the reports on CD95L in myeloma cells. CD95L(+) plasma cells were most numerous in the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. This als o applied to acquired mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue in chronic gastriti s in which CD95L(+) plasma cells were found scattered in the lamina propria , Our data suggest that plasma cells as yet may be neglected modulators of immune responses.