MAINTENANCE OF IMMUNOLOGICAL SELF-TOLERANCE BY NONIMMUNOGENIC FORMS OF ANTIGEN

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 26  (3) , 597-600
Abstract
Immunologic tolerance to EAE [experimental allergic encephalomyelitis] in guinea-pigs appears to be a function of a determinant distinct from the encephalitogenic region of the myelin basic protein molecule. In Lewis rats (in which species the molecular sites for disease-induction and tolerance have not been completely characterized) the mechanism underlying this state of immunologic tolerance involves suppressor cell regulation of the autoimmune response. On the basis of these experimental findings it is postulated that natural self-tolerance is maintained by suppressor T [thymus-derived] cells which are stimulated by nonimmunogenic fragments of self-antigen released during protein turnover.