BAK1 and infection: Progressive accumulation of mature B- and T-cells led to massive enlargement of the spleen and lymph nodes and infiltration of parenchymal organs.57 Furthermore, bak−/−bax−/− mice display severe defects in the T-cell development and homeostasis after infection.58 Independently, inactivation of bak restored thrombocytopenia caused by bcl-xl deletion, suggesting a crucial role of Bak in platelet lifespan.34