There is also an alternative explanation of why the TCR must not be
allowed to undergo mutation. Try the following Web site:
http://www.jr2.ox.ac.uk/nds/mbs/Indexa.htm
Derek Gray
Donald Forsdyke wrote:
>> Klaus D. Elgert wrote:
>> > "Somatic mutation does not occur in the TCR because it would be
> > detrimental to generate self-specific T-cells. Yet, we display
> > self-peptides in our MHC molecules. Why haven't we developed
> > mechanisms to display only foreign peptides? Also, if somatic mutation
> > can potentially lead to self-specific T-cells, shouldn't the same hold
> > with B-cells?"
>> A mechanism for intracellular self/not-self discrimination will be
> found in J. Biol. Systems (1995) vol 3, 273-287 "Entropy-driven protein
> self-aggregation as the basis for self/not-self discrimination in the
> crowded cytosol" (See also J. Theor. Biol. (1994) vol 167, 1-12).
>> > I gave the canned answers that random mutation
> > of the TCR may change thymic-induced specificity leading to
> > autoreactivity; there are autoreactive B cells but T cells would
> > control them, polyclonal B-cell activation, etc.
>> A generic model ( affinity (specificity) maturation of T and B cells)
> for positive and negative selection may be found in J. Theor. Biol.
> (1975) vol 52, 187-198.
>> > Also, "why not display ONLY foreign peptides?"
>> That is what the J. Biol.Sys. paper addresses. For a brief update see
> Cell Stress and Chaperones (1998) vol. 3, suppliment 1, page 3.
>> Sincerely,
> Donald Forsdyke (Discussion Leader. Bionet.immunology)
