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Reflections on the clonal-selection theory.

Melvin Cohn, N Av Mitchison, William E Paul

Nature Reviews. Immunology

|September 26, 2007

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The clonal-selection theory explains how the immune system generates diverse antibodies before encountering new antigens. This foundational concept in immunology remains influential 50 years later.

Area of Science:

Immunology
Molecular Biology
Genetics

Background:

The immune system's capacity to respond to novel antigens is a central question in immunology.
F. Macfarlane Burnet's clonal-selection theory proposed pre-existing specificity for diverse antigens.
This theory revolutionized understanding of antibody diversity and immune response.

Purpose of the Study:

To commemorate 50 years of the clonal-selection theory.
To gather expert opinions on the theory's historical impact and current relevance.
To explore the evolution of thought regarding antibody diversity.

Main Methods:

Expert interviews with six leading scientists.
Review of historical perspectives on the clonal-selection theory.

Related Experiment Videos

Discussion of contemporary views on antibody diversity.

Main Results:

The article presents a collection of scientific opinions on the clonal-selection theory.
It highlights the theory's journey from a radical idea to a widely accepted principle.
Insights into the ongoing scientific discourse surrounding antibody diversity are provided.

Conclusions:

The clonal-selection theory remains a cornerstone of modern immunology.
Expert perspectives underscore its enduring significance and the evolution of related concepts.
The article celebrates a half-century of impact from a pivotal immunological theory.