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Updated: Apr 14, 2026

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Procedure for Adaptive Laboratory Evolution of Microorganisms Using a Chemostat
Published on: September 20, 2016
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How evolution tells us to induce allotolerance
1From Molecular ImmunoRheumatology, INSERM, UMR S 1109, LabEx Transplantex, Faculty of Medicine, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
Summary
The danger/injury theory explains immunity, stating that cell stress and tissue injury, not "non-self" alone, trigger immune responses. Evolution shows immune tolerance to harmless "non-self" like microbes and fetuses, crucial for survival and reproduction.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Modern immunology is shaped by three main theories: clonal selection, pattern recognition, and danger/injury.
- The danger/injury theory posits that cell stress and tissue damage, not 'non-self' antigens alone, initiate immune responses, including alloimmunity.
- This contrasts with earlier theories suggesting 'non-self' inherently triggers immunity.
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