PMID: 8961244Dec 1, 1996Paper

The post-activation refractory phase: a mechanism to measure antigenic complexity and ensure self-tolerance among mature peripheral T lymphocytes

Medical Hypotheses
Mark D Mannie

Abstract

This paper outlines a model describing how the post-activation refractory phase of mature T cells may promote adaptive self/nonself-discrimination among mature peripheral T cells in extrathymic tissues. This model is based on the following experimental observations. First, activation of myelin basic protein-specific T-helper cells elicits a single episode of interleukin 2 production followed by a 7-10 day refractory phase during which antigenic restimulation elicits proliferation but without interleukin 2 production or reexpression of encephalitogenic activity. Secondly, T lymphoblasts exhibiting post-activation refractoriness are substantially more susceptible to anergy as compared to resting T cells. Third, myelin basic protein-induced activation at low T-cell densities elicits a refractory phase that is prolonged as compared to that of high T-cell density cultures. These results support a model by which a pioneer T-cell encountering peripheral antigen produces a limited supply of interleukin 2. This T cell will upregulate effector functions or will become anergic, depending on continual immigration of additional antigen-reactive clones, each of which makes a limited supply of interleukin 2 before entering into the post-activ...Continue Reading

Citations

Nov 14, 1997·Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research : the Official Journal of the International Society for Interferon and Cytokine Research·M Cembrzyńska-NowakA D Inglot
Jul 17, 1998·Cellular Immunology·M D MannieP Y Arnold

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