Extrathymic tolerance of mature T cells: clonal elimination as a consequence of immunity
The mechanism by which T lymphocytes an? tolerized to self or foreign antigens is still
controversial. Clonal deletion is the major mechanism of tolerance for immature thymocytes;
for mature T cells, tolerance is considered to reflect anergy rather than deletion, and to be a
consequence of defective presentation of antigen. This paper documents a novel form of
tolerance resulting when mature T cells encounter antigen in immunogenic form. Evidence
is presented that exposure of mature T cells to Mlsa antigens in vivo leads to specific …
controversial. Clonal deletion is the major mechanism of tolerance for immature thymocytes;
for mature T cells, tolerance is considered to reflect anergy rather than deletion, and to be a
consequence of defective presentation of antigen. This paper documents a novel form of
tolerance resulting when mature T cells encounter antigen in immunogenic form. Evidence
is presented that exposure of mature T cells to Mlsa antigens in vivo leads to specific …
Summary
The mechanism by which T lymphocytes an? tolerized to self or foreign antigens is still controversial. Clonal deletion is the major mechanism of tolerance for immature thymocytes; for mature T cells, tolerance is considered to reflect anergy rather than deletion, and to be a consequence of defective presentation of antigen. This paper documents a novel form of tolerance resulting when mature T cells encounter antigen in immunogenic form. Evidence is presented that exposure of mature T cells to Mlsa antigens in vivo leads to specific tolerance and disappearance of Mlsa-reactive 436’T cells. Surprisingly, the clonal elimination of VpS+ cells is preceded by marked expansion of these cells. Thus, tolerance induction can be the end result of a powerful immune response. These data raise important questions concerning the relationship of tolerance and memory.
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