Related Experiment Videos
Levels of peripheral T cell tolerance
1Molecular Immunology, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum DKFZ, Heidelberg, Germany. b.arnold@dkfz.de
Transplant Immunology
|September 10, 2002
Summary
The immune system uses T and B lymphocytes to fight invaders. This review explores how the body prevents these cells from attacking itself, focusing on peripheral T cell tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The immune system relies on T and B lymphocytes for defense against foreign invaders.
- Generating diverse antigen-specific receptors on lymphocytes is crucial but poses a challenge in preventing self-reactivity (autoreactivity).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms of peripheral T cell tolerance induction.
- To explore how the immune system avoids attacking the body's own tissues while maintaining a broad defense capability.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature and animal models.
- Analysis of tolerance induction mechanisms involving dendritic cells and tissue-resident cells (e.g., keratinocytes, hepatocytes).
Main Results:
- Peripheral T cell tolerance can be induced by dendritic cells in lymph nodes and parenchymal cells within tissues.
- Tolerance induction is not solely about preventing T cell activation; some autoreactive T cell activation may not cause damage.
- Multiple tolerance mechanisms operate in parallel under physiological conditions.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the molecular basis of T cell tolerance is key.
- Identifying the most effective tolerance mechanisms could lead to new therapeutic interventions for autoimmune diseases.