(a)Mature T cells are (a) self-MHC restricted, (b) self-tolerant and (c) single-

Question

(a)Mature T cells are (a) self-MHC restricted, (b) self-tolerant and (c) single-positive. Briefly, describe what does this mean? (0.5 page limit)

(b)With the help of a diagram, briefly describe the key molecular/ cellular events in the thymus that lead to the development of mature T cells. Your description should include the information of major precursor T cells, the processes of positive selection and negative selection of T cells. (1.5 page limit)

(c)Very briefly and with the help of a figure briefly outline the mouse experiment by Peter C. Doherty and Rolf M. Zinkernagel (Nobel prize laureates 1996) that demonstrated for the first time the concept of MHC restriction in T cell recognition of antigen. (1 page limit)

Explanation / Answer

A). a). Matured T-cells are MHC (major histocompatibility complex) restricted means, the T cell recognizes an antigen only if it is bound to body’s own MHC molecule (of the host). This is the common requirement of T cell stimulation.

b). Mature T-cells are self tolerant means they do not react towards the self antigens and avoid autoimmunity. The matured T cells (differentiated) are mainly involved in the process of cell-mediated immunity.

c). The mature T-cells are single positive means, they express only one surface marker i.e. either CD4+ or CD8+.

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