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Three-receptor, clonal expansion model for selection of self-recognition in the thymus

Abstract

The postulate is made that dual recognition by T lymphocytes is due to two types of receptor, one encoded by antibody genes and one by a distinct multigene family with simple rules for expression. This postulate leads to a model explaining ontogenic and evolutionary selection for self recognition, T lymphocyte effector function, the apparent high frequency of alloreactive T cells and immune response gene activity. The model is contrasted with previous explanations of self-recognition phenomena.

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Williamson, A. Three-receptor, clonal expansion model for selection of self-recognition in the thymus. Nature 283, 527–532 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1038/283527a0

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