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.
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Anergy helps prevent autoimmune reactions by ensuring that self-reactive T and B cells do not become activated.
It is induced when lymphocytes receive a signal through their antigen receptor without the necessary co-stimulatory signals.
Anergic T cells can no longer proliferate or secrete cytokines upon encountering their specific antigen.
B cell anergy can result from chronic exposure to soluble antigens that cross-link the B cell receptor (BCR).
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.