Clonal anergy
Clonal Anergy
Clonal anergy (/kləʊnəl ænərdʒi/) is a state of unresponsiveness, in a specific B cell or T cell, to its specific antigen. This phenomenon occurs in the immune system and is one of the mechanisms of immune tolerance.
Etymology
The term "clonal anergy" is derived from two words. "Clonal" comes from the Greek word "klōn" meaning twig, referring to the process of cloning or making identical copies. "Anergy" is derived from the Greek word "anergia" meaning lack of energy, referring to the state of unresponsiveness.
Mechanism
Clonal anergy is induced in the peripheral immune system when a lymphocyte recognizes its specific antigen in the absence of the second signal for activation. This second signal is usually provided by costimulatory molecules present on antigen presenting cells. In the absence of this second signal, the lymphocyte becomes anergic or unresponsive to its antigen.
Related Terms
- Immune tolerance: The ability of the immune system to ignore "self" while attacking "non-self". This is achieved through several mechanisms including clonal anergy.
- Peripheral tolerance: This is the tolerance developed in the peripheral immune system, where clonal anergy plays a significant role.
- Central tolerance: This is the tolerance developed in the central immune system, mainly in the thymus and bone marrow.
- Antigen presenting cell: These are cells that present antigens to T cells to initiate an immune response. They also provide the second signal required for activation of lymphocytes.
- Costimulatory molecule: These are molecules present on antigen presenting cells that provide the second signal for activation of lymphocytes.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Clonal anergy
- Wikipedia's article - Clonal anergy
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