Anergy

Definition

Anergy is a state in which immune cells, particularly T and B lymphocytes, become non-responsive to their specific antigen. This prevents an immune response even when the antigen is present.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Anergy helps prevent autoimmune reactions by ensuring that self-reactive T and B cells do not become activated.
2. It is induced when lymphocytes receive a signal through their antigen receptor without the necessary co-stimulatory signals.
3. Anergic T cells can no longer proliferate or secrete cytokines upon encountering their specific antigen.
4. B cell anergy can result from chronic exposure to soluble antigens that cross-link the B cell receptor (BCR).
5. Anergy can be reversed under certain conditions, leading to potential autoimmunity if regulatory mechanisms fail.

Review Questions

• What mechanisms contribute to the induction of anergy in lymphocytes?
• How does anergy in T cells differ from anergy in B cells?
• Why is anergy important for preventing autoimmune diseases?

Related terms

Clonal Deletion:

The process of eliminating self-reactive lymphocytes during immune cell development.

Co-stimulatory Signal: Additional signals required for full activation of immune cells, often provided by accessory molecules on antigen-presenting cells.

Autoimmunity: A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues.