Induction of apoptosis in mature T cells by tumour necrosis factor

The death of mature T cells can occur due to two different molecular mechanisms, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and the Fas Ligand. TNF acts as an intermediary in T-cell death that occurs by T-cell receptor induction, and blockage of TNF and the Fas ligand are necessary to stop T-cell death. Immune responses are modulated by T cell receptor-induced apoptosis and can occur due to interactions between Fas and the Fas ligand.