Peripheral tolerance is a mechanism that prevents the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues by regulating T cell activity outside of the thymus. It ensures self-tolerance and maintains immune homeostasis.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
Peripheral tolerance occurs in secondary lymphoid organs such as lymph nodes and spleen.
It involves mechanisms like anergy, deletion, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) to control autoreactive T cells.
Anergy is a state where T cells become non-responsive to antigens without co-stimulatory signals.
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in maintaining peripheral tolerance by suppressing potentially harmful immune responses.
Failure in peripheral tolerance mechanisms can lead to autoimmune diseases.