Explain how self-reactive receptors are prevented during BCR development.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of the mechanisms that prevent the development of self-reactive B cell receptors (BCRs) during the maturation process of B lymphocytes. This involves understanding the processes of negative selection and receptor editing that occur in the bone marrow to eliminate or modify B cells that could potentially attack the body's own tissues.
Answer
Self-reactive BCRs are prevented by receptor editing, clonal deletion, and clonal anergy.
During BCR development, self-reactive receptors are prevented through mechanisms like receptor editing, clonal deletion, and clonal anergy. Receptor editing allows B cells to change their BCR specificity if they are autoreactive. Clonal deletion removes them, and clonal anergy inactivates them.
Answer for screen readers
During BCR development, self-reactive receptors are prevented through mechanisms like receptor editing, clonal deletion, and clonal anergy. Receptor editing allows B cells to change their BCR specificity if they are autoreactive. Clonal deletion removes them, and clonal anergy inactivates them.
More Information
Self-reactive B cells, if not effectively managed, can lead to autoimmune diseases. These processes mainly occur in the bone marrow, during the early stages of B cell development.
Tips
A common mistake is confusing receptor editing with genetic recombination, though both involve changes in BCR genes, receptor editing specifically renders non-autoreactive BCRs.
Sources
- B-Cell Tolerance - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics - sciencedirect.com
- Tracing Self-Reactive B Cells in Normal Mice - AAI Journals - journals.aai.org
- Mechanisms of central tolerance for B cells - Nature - nature.com
