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. 2002 Oct;14(10):1105-12.
doi: 10.1093/intimm/dxf078.

A computerized model for the self-non-self discrimination at the level of the T(h) (Th genesis). I. The origin of 'primer' effector T(h) cells

Melvin Cohn  1 , Rodney E Langman, James J Mata
Affiliations

A computerized model for the self-non-self discrimination at the level of the T(h) (Th genesis). I. The origin of 'primer' effector T(h) cells

Melvin Cohn et al. Int Immunol. 2002 Oct.

Abstract

The ability of the immune system to respond by ridding a pathogen without debilitating the host depends upon the ability of the effector T(h) (eT(h)) to make a discrimination between 'self' and 'non-self' antigens. This ability is somatically learned and involves the sorting of the somatically generated random repertoire of initial state T(h) (iT(h)) into two classes of specificity: one, anti-self, the functional expression of which must be inactivated; the other, anti-non-self, the functional expression of which must be activated. We propose a model for the origin of a sufficiency of eT(h) anti-non-self and an insufficiency of eT(h) anti-self based on two postulates. (i) An antigen-independent pathway to a priming level of eT(h) anti-non-self under conditions where iT(h) anti-self are effectively deleted by interaction with self. This state is established during a window of fetal development and maintained throughout life because self is persistent. (ii) Associative recognition of antigen (peptide-MHC class II) on an antigen-presenting cell between iT(h) and 'primer' eT(h) that results in the rapid induction of an effective level of helper activity to non-self antigen. A computer simulation is provided that enables evaluation of this model.

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Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
The pathway (Th genesis) generating ‘primer’ effector Th (see text).
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
The relationship between PIEs or PIEns and the numbers of APC presenting a given peptide per T-Protecton.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
The relationship between PIEs or PIEns and SI.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
The relationship between PIEs or PIEns and Rt.
Fig. 5.
Fig. 5.
The relationship between PIEs or PIEns and the size of the protection (Tt)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Cohn M. A new concept of immune specificity emerges from a consideration of the self—non-self discrimination. Cell. Immunol. 1997;181:103. - PubMed

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