The thymus prevents autoimmunity by eliminating or differentiating self-reactive T cells; however, it is unknown whether T cells can be altered to recognize antigens from commensal bacteria, which may prevent diseases such as IBD. Findings from a mouse study indicate that antigen-specific TREG cells are generated in response to an individual's microbiota. This occurs after T cells have been altered in the thymus and could be a mechanism by which a host can tolerate commensal bacteria.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Lathrop, S. K. et al. Peripheral education of the immune system by colonic commensal microbiota. Nature doi: 10.1038/nature10434
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Tolerance of commensal microbiota. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 8, 601 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2011.189
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2011.189