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Central tolerance of T cells
1Department of Immunology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. jsprent@riscsm.scripps.edu
International Reviews of Immunology
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Maintaining self/nonself discrimination in T cells relies on central tolerance to circulating antigens and sequestered tissue-specific antigens. Peripheral tolerance mechanisms are only activated when self-tolerance fails.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- T cell biology
- Self-tolerance
Background:
- The immune system must distinguish self from foreign antigens.
- Central tolerance in the thymus eliminates self-reactive T cells.
- The necessity of peripheral tolerance mechanisms remains debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a model for steady-state T cell tolerance.
- To explain how self/nonself discrimination is maintained.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on central and peripheral tolerance.
- Theoretical modeling of immune system regulation.
Main Results:
- Steady-state T cell tolerance is achieved through central tolerance and antigen sequestration.
- Peripheral tolerance mechanisms act as backups, not primary regulators.
Conclusions:
- Central tolerance to circulating antigens and sequestration of tissue-specific antigens are sufficient for maintaining T cell tolerance.
- Immune regulation beyond steady-state operates only upon the breakdown of self-tolerance.