A Molecular Clock Determines 'Loyalty' of Every Developing T Cell (IMAGE)

University of Basel

A Molecular Clock Determines 'Loyalty' of Every Developing T Cell

Caption

When a developing T cell binds one of the body's molecules for a short time (less than 4 seconds), it is 'loyal' to the body and continues to mature into a pathogen-fighting T cell. (A). If the process exceeds four seconds, it triggers the death of the developing T cell (B). In this way, aggressive autoimmune T cells are eliminated from the immune system.

Credit

University of Basel, Department of Biomedicine

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