key term - Peripheral tolerance

Definition

Peripheral tolerance is a mechanism by which the immune system learns to differentiate between its own body cells (self) and foreign cells (non-self), specifically outside of the primary lymphoid organs. It involves the suppression of immune responses to self-antigens, preventing autoimmune diseases.

Related terms

Central Tolerance: Central tolerance is the process by which newly developed immune cells are tested for self-reactivity in primary lymphoid organs before they fully mature, ensuring that those reacting against self-antigens are eliminated early on.

Autoimmune Diseases: Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, a failure of both central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms.

Regulatory T Cells:

Regulatory T cells are a type of T cell that plays a critical role in maintaining peripheral tolerance by suppressing potentially harmful immune responses against self-antigens