Research report 2011 - Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics

The role of autoreactivity in B cell development

Authors
Jumaa, Hassan
Departments
MPI für Immunbiologie & Epigenetik
Summary
Antibodies produced by B lymphocytes are able to recognize virtually any foreign antigen in the body. This enormous antibody diversity is generated by random somatic recombination of V-, (D-) and J-gene segments. In this process, autoantibodies can be generated that are directed against the body’s own structures and can thereby cause autoimmune diseases. However, scientists at the MPI for Immunobiology and Epigenetics could now show that the recognition of autoantigens is important for the selection and expansion of developing B cells.

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