Dear All,
I have a question regarding the maturation of the TCR. I have learned in my
undergrad immunology course that during the course of maturation in the
thymus T cells are subjected to many of the proteins that are commonly found
in the body and those that respond are eliminated (negative selection I
think). To my knowledge this helps the body to insure that no T cells are
matured that recognize self proteins and thus elicit an autoimmune response.
Today however I was informed that there is a way that a T cell may
"graduate" from the Thymus and still recognize a self antigen. Some how,
also, this is thought to be advantageous. However I can not see how this
can either happen or be advantageous.
Can someone please shed a little light on this subject for me. I would
greatly appreciate it.
Thanks in advance,
Gilbert Douglas
Samford University
Birmingham, Alabama
