title: The advantage of being a low responder.
abstract: Immune response genes determine the magnitude of many immune responses. A low response is often ascribed to a genetic defect. Here Irun Cohen argues that a poor response instead reflects a heightened sensitivity to the conditions in which antigen is encountered. When these are optimal the response is normal. Poor responders thus have the advantage of a greater fexibility of response over individuals who respond strongly regardless of prevailing circumstances.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
authors.forename: I R
authors.initials: IR
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Altmann
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Friedman