Transgenic mouse lines have been very useful for the study of mechanisms of self-tolerance.In one such line,transgenes were introduced encoding a T cell receptor (TCR)specific for the H-Y antigen,which is a protein expressed by many cell types only in male mice.When these transgenic mice were analyzed,researchers found that T cells expressing the H-Y-specific TCR developed normally in female mice but not in male mice.This finding illustrates which of the following mechanism of self tolerance?
A)Peripheral anergy
B)Central (thymic)deletion
C)Clonal ignorance
D)Regulatory T cell-mediated suppression
E)Peripheral deletion

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The failure of the male antigen-specific T cells to develop in male mice reflects negative selection by central deletion of the developing self-reactive T cells.Peripheral anergy describes inactivation of fully developed mature T cells outside the thymus.Clonal ignorance is a peripheral mechanism in which already developed T cells fail to see self antigen outside the thymus.Regulatory T cell suppression will not impair T cell development.Peripheral deletion occurs after self-reactive T cells develop and leave the thymus.

Transgenic Mouse Lines Have Been Very Useful for the Study