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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is true of receptor editing of the T-cell receptor?
A
Receptor editing involves the deletion of T-cell receptors that are non-functional.
B
Receptor editing is a process that enhances the affinity of the T-cell receptor for antigens.
C
Receptor editing occurs to change the specificity of the T-cell receptor to avoid self-reactivity.
D
Receptor editing is primarily a mechanism used by B-cells, not T-cells.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of receptor editing: Receptor editing is a mechanism primarily associated with B-cells, not T-cells. It involves altering the receptor specificity to prevent self-reactivity, ensuring that the immune system does not attack the body's own tissues.
Recognize the role of receptor editing in B-cells: In B-cells, receptor editing occurs during their development in the bone marrow. If a B-cell receptor binds too strongly to self-antigens, the cell can undergo receptor editing to change its specificity and avoid autoimmunity.
Differentiate between B-cell and T-cell receptor editing: While receptor editing is a well-documented process in B-cells, T-cells primarily undergo a different process called negative selection in the thymus to eliminate self-reactive cells, rather than receptor editing.
Identify the correct statement: The statement 'Receptor editing occurs to change the specificity of the T-cell receptor to avoid self-reactivity' is incorrect because receptor editing is not a process used by T-cells. It is primarily a mechanism used by B-cells.
Conclude with the correct understanding: Receptor editing is not a mechanism used by T-cells to enhance affinity or change specificity. Instead, T-cells rely on other processes like negative selection to ensure self-tolerance.