What are the differences between positive and negative selection of T cells?
Posted August 18, 2023
Answer
Positive Selection of T-cells:
- Refers to the T cell development process in the thymus by the binding of T-cell receptors (TCRs) of mature T-cells to the self-antigens presented by Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) of thymocytes
- Is responsible for the maturation of thymocytes
- Results in the maturation of thymocytes into either CD8+ (cytotoxic) T-cells or CD4+ (helper) T-cells
- Antigen presentation is minimal
- Occurs in the cortex of the thymus
- Does not have the ability to activate apoptosis
- Does not suppress autoimmune reactions
- Occurs before negative selection
Negative Selection of T-cells:
- Refers to the process of T cell development in thymus due to the incapability of TCRs to bind the MCH complexes of thymocytes
- Prevents the formation of self-reactive T-cells
- Results in the cell death of thymocytes
- Occurs in the medulla of the thymus
- Has the ability to activate apoptosis following strong interactions between T-cell and self antigen
- Suppresses autoimmune reaction as it does not produce self-reacting cells
- Takes place after positive selection
Additional resources
Positive and negative selection of T cells