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Multiple Choice
Negative selection deletes approximately what percentage of developing T cells in the thymus?
A
About 50%
B
Less than 10%
C
Around 25%
D
Over 95%
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of negative selection in T cell development. Negative selection is a process in the thymus where T cells that strongly bind to self-antigens presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules are eliminated to prevent autoimmune responses.
Step 2: Recall that the thymus is responsible for producing a large number of immature T cells, but only a small fraction of these cells successfully mature and leave the thymus. Negative selection plays a critical role in this process.
Step 3: Consider the efficiency of negative selection. Since the immune system must eliminate T cells that could potentially attack the body's own tissues, the majority of developing T cells are deleted during this process. This ensures that only T cells with appropriate specificity survive.
Step 4: Review the percentage of T cells eliminated during negative selection. Studies show that over 95% of developing T cells are deleted in the thymus due to negative selection, leaving only a small percentage to mature and function properly.
Step 5: Compare the given options (About 50%, Less than 10%, Around 25%, Over 95%) and recognize that the correct answer aligns with the high efficiency of negative selection, which eliminates over 95% of developing T cells.