The two-signal model and 'self'-reactivity: are they really compatible? A reply to Faro & Carneiro.
Given that the associative recognition of antigen (two signal) model permits a certain level of 'autoreactivity', Faro & Carneiro argue that this unavoidable 'autoreactivity' is required as part of the regulation of the general physiology of the animal. This paper gives the author's reply pointing out two facets of the functioning of the immune system. (1) Under an associative recognition of antigen model, the scenarios of B-cell activation postulated by them are ruled out. (2) There is no way to use a destructive ridding effector function to regulate the self/non-self discrimination because autoimmune reactivity would accompany any postulated regulatory mechanism.
Cohn
M
M
Conceptual Immunology Group, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, CA 92186-5800, USA.
D000818:Animals; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D018448:Models, Immunological; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000276:immunology*