Antigen receptor 'capacity' and the sensitivity of self-tolerance

Immunol Today. 1996 Jan;17(1):25-9. doi: 10.1016/0167-5699(96)80565-2.

Abstract

It seems unlikely that the immune system can actively avoid the generation of self-reactive cells in the primary, pre-selected repertoire. On the contrary, by generating a very high proportion of self-reactive B cells in its primary repertoire, the immune system may be pursuing the most efficient strategy for building a repertoire capable of optimally recognizing nonself, as discussed here by David Nemazee.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / immunology*
  • Self Tolerance*

Substances

  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell