Study note

Embryonic development of antibody production and self-reactive clone elimination

THE CONTEXT

Embryonic immune development includes the maturation of lymphoid organs and the elimination of cells that recognise self-antigens.

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The embryo is immunologically immature.

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The capacity to produce antibodies begins only with the development and differentiation of lymphoid organs.

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During embryonic life, developing lymphoid cells encounter tissue antigens released by cellular breakdown.

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Cell clones with specificity towards self-antigens are eliminated.

NEETx

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