Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

High-resolution Spatiotemporal Analysis of Receptor Dynamics by Single-molecule Fluorescence Microscopy
Published on: July 25, 2014
The role of self-recognition in receptor repertoire development. Members of the Janeway Laboratory
1Section of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, and The Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New Haven, CT 06520-8011, USA. charles.janeway@yale.edu
The role of self-antigen recognition in the development of T and B cells of the adaptive immune system has been studied in several different ways. We have shown that CD4 T cells are selected on self-peptide:self-MHC class II ligands, and in the periphery, they are sustained by contact with the same or similar ligands. We have also observed that B cells are positively selected on unknown and presumed self-ligands. We have used this information to explore autoimmune diseases as well. Finally, we have recently identified the innate immune system as playing a crucial role in regulating expression of costimulatory molecules that are required for induction of adaptive immune responses.
The role of self-antigen recognition in the development of T and B cells of the adaptive immune system has been studied in several different ways. We have shown that CD4 T cells are selected on self-peptide:self-MHC class II ligands, and in the periphery, they are sustained by contact with the same or similar ligands. We have also observed that B cells are positively selected on unknown and presumed self-ligands. We have used this information to explore autoimmune diseases as well. Finally, we have recently identified the innate immune system as playing a crucial role in regulating expression of costimulatory molecules that are required for induction of adaptive immune responses.
Related Concept Videos
Internal Receptors
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Transducer Mechanism: Enzyme-Linked Receptors
Major types that are helpful drug targets include:
Spare Receptors
The Two-State Receptor Model
The binding affinity of a drug determines its interaction with one...
Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...

