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[Critical analysis of the immunological self/non-self model and of its implicit metaphysical foundations]

Thomas Pradeu1, Edgardo D Carosella

  • 1Agrégé de philosophie, département de philosophie de l'Ecole normale supérieure Ulm-Paris, France. thomas.pradeu@ens.fr

Comptes Rendus Biologies
|July 17, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The dominant self/non-self model in immunology is inaccurate. A new continuity hypothesis offers a better criterion for immunogenicity, challenging established immunological concepts.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Theoretical Biology

Context:

  • The dominant theoretical model in immunology relies on the concepts of 'self' and 'non-self'.
  • Determining a criterion for immunogenicity is crucial for understanding immune reactions.
  • Existing models face challenges in defining these criteria accurately.

Purpose:

  • To critically examine the conceptual and experimental basis of the self/non-self dichotomy in immunology.
  • To challenge the adequacy and accuracy of the self/non-self model.
  • To propose an alternative theoretical framework for immunology.

Summary:

  • This study critiques the foundational 'self' and 'non-self' concepts in immunology, revealing their limitations.
  • Conceptual and experimental analyses demonstrate the inadequacy of the self/non-self dichotomy.
  • An alternative 'continuity hypothesis' is proposed, offering a novel criterion for immunogenicity.

Impact:

  • Reevaluation or rejection of the current self/non-self model in immunology.
  • Introduction of the 'continuity hypothesis' as a potential new paradigm.
  • Provides a more robust theoretical foundation for understanding immune responses and immunogenicity.

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