Central tolerance
Central Tolerance
Central tolerance is a crucial process in the immune system that helps prevent autoimmunity. It is the mechanism by which newly developing T cells and B cells are rendered non-reactive to self-antigens in the thymus and bone marrow, respectively.
Pronunciation
- Central tolerance: /ˈsɛntrəl ˈtɒlərəns/
Etymology
The term "central tolerance" is derived from the English words "central", meaning "in the middle", and "tolerance", meaning "the ability to endure or resist". The term refers to the immune system's ability to tolerate self-antigens, which is centrally regulated in the thymus and bone marrow.
Related Terms
- Peripheral tolerance: This is another mechanism that prevents the immune system from attacking the body's own cells. Unlike central tolerance, peripheral tolerance occurs outside the thymus and bone marrow.
- Autoimmunity: This is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells. Central tolerance is one of the mechanisms that prevent autoimmunity.
- Self-antigens: These are molecules produced by the body's own cells. Central tolerance ensures that the immune system does not react to these molecules.
- Thymus: This is an organ in the immune system where T cells mature. Central tolerance occurs in the thymus for T cells.
- Bone marrow: This is the spongy tissue inside some bones where blood cells are made. Central tolerance occurs in the bone marrow for B cells.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Central tolerance
- Wikipedia's article - Central tolerance
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